HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0192.013 2008-2010
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From: Norma Bustos [bustos_norma@yahoo.com]
Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2009 9:05 AM 2009 APR 21 RN 10 08
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: Testimony opposing Hawai'i County Council Resolution 67-09 r0UN I ; F I-a^_.4'`4; \i]
Dear County Council,
Once again it appears that a resolution to weaken the protection of our aina, our land, is up for your
vote. I am writing to you in opposition of Hawaii County Council Resolution 67-09. This Resolution is
ill written in that it does not portray the known facts. The fact is that cattle grazing is declining in
Hawaii due to the costs of land, feed, energy, labor and transportation. The fact is that our Forest
Reserves are valuable watersheds for drinking and irrigation water, habitat for rare and endangered
Hawaiian species, and sources from which selected forest products can be grown and harvested such as
koa wood. The fact is that cattle grazing in our Forest Reserves is not "pono". Many scientific studies
have proven that cattle grazing inhibits the regeneration of native forest species. I strongly oppose any
resolution specifically Resolution number 67-09 that aims to allow cattle grazing in our Forest
Reserves.
I am also attaching a link to a scientific article entitled "The Effect of Cattle Grazing on Koa
Reproduction in Hawaii National Park". I think that you will find it very insightful and hope that prior
to making a decision on this issue you will take the opportunity to at the very least read through it and
research what you will be voting on. You owe it us, the public, to make informed decissions.
http://www. j stor.org/pss/ 1929868
Once again, I ask you to please vote against Resolution 67-09. I urge you to support protection of our
watersheds, our native species, and the plants and wildlife that make our island home unique.
Aloha and Mahalo for your time.
Sincerely,
Norma Bustos
Comm. No /q Z - (3
Ref. To:
Ref. Uate _opg 22 NO
4/21/2009