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Murashige, Laura C-IJMM'I lq2 PlautiaL
From: Emma Yuen [nanueiki@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, April 20, 2009 10:21 PM (Q~~ flPR 27 'F"2?
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us Pal ,
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Subject: Opposing Resolution 67-09 C01 op ;.r
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Dear County Councilmembers,
Please do not pass Resolution 67-09 which seeks to prevent the DLNR from aerially shooting on State
Forest Reserve lands in Kona. Aerial shooting has proven one of the most effective tools for protecting
our native Hawaiian forests from ungulate damage. Instead of standing up for these forests, this
resolution offers dubious statements that blame the cattle industries' economic hardship on its image as a
problem for the ecosystems, and says that aerial shooting is unsafe.
First of all, if feral cattle are left in forest reserves, which were established to protect Hawaii's
watersheds, then the cattle industrie's image WILL begin to suffer, as these bad business practices will
hurt the reputation of all ranchers. In the situation in Kona, it is outrageous that the State must pay for
the removal of animals let loose by a private cattle industry. Seeking to ban the aerial shooting via a
resolution will only make the situation worse, as the cattle will continue to trample and degrade the
forest.
Also, there have been no safety incidents with the DLNR's many years of shooting in reserves.
I want to speak up for the forests, which are clearly ignored in this resolution. I want to speak up for the
watersheds, which provide Hawaii's drinking water. I want to speak up as a Big Island native, from
Ninole, who has seen too many endangered species die as feral ungulates like cattle, sheep, pigs, and
goats trample what remains of Hawaii's unique and precious ecosystems.
Please do not pass this resolution!
Aloha,
Emma Yuen
comm. No. l q 2 . Z
Ref. To: ~C
Ref. Date APR 2 2 2009
4/21/2009