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Murashige, Laura Q -5. 0-7- 09 p(C0,WWCJ 'L
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From: Jesse Owens [stupidjak@hotmail.com]
Sent: Monday, April 20. 2009 10:08 PM 2009 APR 21 AM 8 23
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: Opposition to Resolution 67-09 - Aerial Shooting of Cattle COUNIv ` ` rJl H/1'VII/All
Aloha,
I grew up in the Big Island and have residences in the Keaukaha and Puna areas. I would like to
submit testimony strongly against Resolution 67-09, which was recently introduced by
councilmember Kelly Greenwell. Almost every statement in the Resolution is blatantly false.
For instance, portrayal of the cattle industry as damaging to Hawaii's ecosystems is not threatening
its survival - the cattle industry receives quite beneficial treatment by the government, which
provides property tax breaks and other incentives for the industry.
Additionally, the effectiveness and safety of aerial shooting has been demonstrated as valid in
many Hawaii and worldwide examples. In Texas, the public is even allowed to aerially shoot feral
hogs on private land. In Hawaii, the DLNR has aerially shot for decades. This has proven the most
effective and efficient way to remove damaging animals in forests and on steep terrain. It is
nonsense to cite danger to the public as a reason to cease shooting - the DLNR has established
closures and mechanisms to warn and prevent public access during scheduled shoots, and there is
a decades-long safety track record and tight protocol to prevent any threat to human hikers or
neighbors.
The State and County need every tool possible to protect the watersheds of Hawaii from ungulate
damage. I am disappointed that this proposed resolution does not give any consideration to the
need to protect the forest, the endangered species, and the cultural heritage of Hawaii. Please do
not pass this resolution.
Jesse B. Owens, (808) 6405010
Rediscover Hotmail@: Now available on your iPhone or BlackBerry Check it out.
Comm. No.
Ref. Tot LTZ~
Ref. Date APR 22 209
4/21/2009