HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PSPRC 009 04/07/2009 2008-2010
REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY AND PARKS AND RECREATION
DATE: April 7, 2009 Re: Comm. No. 192
(Res. 67-09)
TIME: 9:40 am
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Public Safety and Parks and Recreation, to which was referred
Communication 192/Resolution 67-09 reports as follows:
Resolution 67-09 from Council member Kelly Greenwell, dated February 23, 2009, requesting
the State Department of Land and Natural Resources abandon any effort and/or plan to eradicate
feral cattle by helicopter hunt within the Honuaula Forest Reserve on the slopes of Hualalai, was
addressed at the March 17, 2009 committee meeting. However, due to DLNR (Department of
Land and Natural Resources) Forestry and Wildlife Hawaii Island Branch Manager
Roger Imoto's inability to attend, the resolution was postponed until April 7, 2009.
Mr. Imoto was able to attend the April 7, 2009 and came forward to explained the history and
ongoing hunt programs on both Hawaii and Maui island. He reviewed the numerous safety
precautions and notifications given to the public, and stated that this particular hunt has been
planned since 2004 in concert with a Federal Grant for Koa forest restoration which will expire
on June 30, 2009. He also added that since March 2004 local ranchers have volunteered and
have removed 381 cattle from the 2,920 acre fenced parcel. DLNR officials are currently doing
a count of the remaining cattle, estimated to be mostly bulls between 60 and 100 head.
Council member Greenwell reiterated his concern about accidentally shooting people and
incomplete kills of targeted animals. Mr. Imoto emphasized that helicopter hunting has a much
higher safety record than ground hunts, and added that the ranchers and cowboys are reluctant to
deal with the remaining feral bulls.
Page 2 Communication 192 (Res. 67-09)
Your Committee on Public Safety and Parks and Recreation is in accordance with the purpose
and intent of Communication No. 192/Res. 67-09 and recommends its adoption.
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Ares NOES A&E Ex Respectfully submitted,
ENRIQUES X
FORD x COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY
GREENWELL x AND PARKS AND RECREATION
HOFFMANN X
7
IKEDA X
NAEOLE x
ONISHI x rRURES ,CHA
YAGONG x C REP T O. 9
YOSHIMOTO X ADOPTED: R 2 2 290
9