HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 1141.005 2006-2008
May 19, 2008 Re: Communication 1141: Grading & Grubbing Revision
Aloha Members of the Hawaii County Council and Committee on Public Works,
Thank you for this opportunity to share my concerns with you, as you revise the Grubbing and Grading Ordinance of Chapter
10 of the County Code. I have just begun to understand more about the diversity of interests around the island regarding the
issue of grading and grubbing. I have talked with a number of individuals and people from community and business
organizations who have wanted to see Hawaii County revise the Grading and Grubbing Ordinance in Chapter 10 of the
County Code.
To name a few, I spoke with an island realtor about property values and on-going clear cutting. I heard from him that properties
which clear all the ohia trees are less valuable than lots with some remaining trees. He also mentioned that there is a real
problem with bulldozer operators who clear the whole lot because it is easier for them.
A number of Big Island business and community members, sponsored the Building in the Forest Brochure, which informs
property owners of the consequences of both clear cutting and indiscriminate clearing of native forest land. Please review this
brochure as a valuable resource from the community, while you revise the county ordinance.
I also spoke with Barry Usagawa, Chief of the Water Resources Division at the Board of Water Supply in Honolulu.I contacted
him after reading an article from the Hawaiian Alrlines Hana Hou Magazine called Ka Wai Ola, The Waters of Life, He was
one contrlbuters to the article and in it he stressed the importance of being proactive in efforts to manage mountain forest
watersheds so our aquafers and water resources can sustained. He has sent a letter of support for our efforts to address
grubbing and grading before the County Council not as govemnent personel, but as a local citizen. I would lice to read his
letter now.
Dear Kathleen,
Thank you for your work on preserving native forests guidelines... I believe the Hawaii County process is an
excellent venue to set forth forest protection guidelines.... from a water resource perspective, prime recharge areas
that supply critical groundwater and surface water supplies are paramount. Forests provide critical
habitats, capture rainfall, slows runoff and promotes deep percolation of water into the underlying aquifers.
I cannot testify as a representative of the Honolulu Board of Water Supply, but I can support your efforts as a
member of the public, who was born and raised in Hilo and has 22 years working experience with water resources
and water supply planning, and who's father is a retired employee of State DLNR's Forestry and Wildlife Division,
Hilo baseyard that fought many forest fires on the Big Island and patrolled, repaired and enforced the many miles of
forest reserve fence lines to protect Big Island forests and watersheds.
Good luck and best wishes in your efforts to establish strong forest protection policies in Hawaii County...
Barry Usagawa
46-450 Kuneki St.
Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744
I am more aware of the widespread concern about clearing of our native forest after conversations with people from all walks
of life. In many cases these people and organizations have been concerned about land use and clearing of our native forest for
years.
It seems that many people would sincerely request that the Soil & Water Conservation District and Public Works Dept, along
with the County take responsibility to revise the grading & grubbing ordinance in ways that define a clear and enforceable
ordinance by end of this Council Session, one which will stop clear cutting and create regulations to preserve our native
Hawaiian forests.
Mahalo,
Kathleen Golden
P.O. Box 957 Gom ft Na
Volcano, HI 96785 Ref. TO,
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Ref. DatQ -MAY 19 200
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