HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 1041.003 1996-1998
RECEIVED l
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y; United States Department of the Interior County Connell
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
'4ggCH 3 +B°~ Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
P.O. Box 52
IN RFPw UFEHTO Hawaii 96718-0052
N50(HAVO)
November 9, 1998
Countv Councilman James Arakaki
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Dear Mr. Arakaki:
As a member of the Big Island Miconia Action Committee (BIMAC) and Chief of Resources Management at
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, I strongly support approval of the proposal by the Big Island Miconia Action
Committee to partially fund Operation Miconia (Proposal #R&D1998-99/1).
Even though Miconia has not reached Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, I recognized that the most cost effective
and ecologically sound way of dealing with this pest species is to not wait until it invades the Park, but suppress it
at an early stage of invasion on the Big Island. Park crews currently support the Big Island Operation Miconia
team by donating crews, logistical support, and staff to search the extensive subdivisions near the Park and control
plants found.
I perceive Operation Miconia on the Big Island to be at a turning point. Considerable progress has been made in
building public support, developing effective treatment methods, finding and treating satellite populations, and
treating larger infestations. However, the real work in suppressing the population is to continue to search for new
satellite populations and return to identified populations to find the inevitable seedlings in treated populations.
Consistent re-treatments of infested areas over a several year period is the key to an effective control program.
More can be done to expand public education and support. Most sightings of satellite populations come from
concerned, informed citizens. More needs to be done in mapping and controlling Miconia on the Kona side of the
island. These populations are particularly dangerous because of their proximity to native forest.
The County of Hawaii was the first government body to recognize the Miconia threat and to provide funds for
Miconia control. Continued support is needed to leverage federal matching funds. Together we can take care of
the Miconia problem.
Sincerely,
Tim Tunison l0
Chief of Resources Management 30imm No.
b'lle No. FND IRF
MAIL 1bi r C
W. Drfe U 16 1995