HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0952.001 1996-1998 HAWAII
ISLAND
Economic
_ - Development
Board
August 31, 1998
COL. East Hawaii-Hilo
e.
Mr. Dominic Yagong 200 103 261�aA�
Hilo,HI 96720
Chair, Public Works and Parks Committee ph(608)986.5416/07
Hawaii County Council Fax(BOg)966-6792
25 Aupuni Street West Hewell-Kona
First Federal Bldg.
Hilo, Hawaii 96720 75-5737
Kuakini Hwy.6207
Kallua-Kona.
Ph
(808
Re: MICONIA MANAGEMENT PROGRAM Pa
Ph(608)329-4713
Honorable Chair and Members of the Con-m, tee:
Fcr several months, HIEDB has been workin" with the Big Island Melastome
Action Committee through our Science & Technology Committee to develop
a grass-roots management program to supplement their federal, state and
county plan.
Since August 1, 1998, we've hit the ground with 36 volunteers including
HELCO, Jacunski's Complete Tree Service, 1" spiund Corp., Hawaii Army
National Guard, Big Island Candies, Hilo Hospital, Bishop Estate, the Hawaii
Island Chamber of Commerce, students from :'\jaiakea and Hilo High School,
the University of Hawaii at Hilo, and other :-,, -nhers of the community.
These fine people have covered 12 acres of 1,i t, muddy, mosquito-infested
gulch, stream-bed and valley floor to er_dc< e more than 10,000 miconia trees
of various sizes. We have an additional s(_-e ule of four more workdays,
and are working with BIMAC to develop rela,_ionships with the National
Guard, I'ohakuloa Training Area, and the we h-release program run by
HCCC's Beryl Iramina and Officer Kiko.
We recognize that BIMAC will require a long-term funding commitment to
successfully manage this alien pest, and provide appropriate support to
that effort. We believe that additional gr= :s- .;c is efforts could be established
immediately with the above-mentioned inii.utious, if a small materials &
supplies &transportation budget of appD)xi F',-,ely $500 per month could be
found, We have suggested that add.itier, :; r.,,;nerships could be developed
with DHHL and HCEOC. Any support by the County would be
appreciated.
We have enjoyed the opportunity to assist .. , for.t. It is an important
educational program with economic rete m c= e to the impact of alien
species on the visitor industry. It proviue. ;celltnt communications
point for people from different walks of iifs. / , Q�� r
mm Nes
File Ne. EN D_.._5
. Presented /WPC-
fTot
ief
1 1993
'rpt.
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d ' l (.
It is also a valuable community service ix' which you and your colleagues are
cordially invited to participate, any Saturday a` ,:()()Alvi, Onomea Hongwanji
(966-5416 to confirm participation).
We look forward to receiving the benefit of consideration of a short-term
funding initiative as described above, and t'- -,k you for the opportunity to
submit these comments.
Your ' cerely,
Ji .
Ou 441 4
Pa
ill
Helfrich
Executive Director
cc: Edward Andrade, l7HHL
George Yokoyama, HCEOC
Beryl Iramina, HCCC