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HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PWIRC 029 08/04/2009 2008-2010 REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS DATE: August 4, 2009 Re: Comm. No. 220/Res. 80-09 PLACE: Councilroom Ben Franklin Building, 2"`1 Floor 333 Kilauea Avenue Hilo, Hawaii 96720 TIME: 3:04 p.m. Council Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Your Committee on Public Works and Intergovernmental Relations, to which was referred Communication No. 220, regarding Resolution 80-09, reports as follows: Resolution 80-09, transmitted by Council Member Kelly Greenwell via Communication No. 220 dated March 19, 2009, requests a ban on releasing Biological Control Agents on Hawaii Island, including f insects, fungi, bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens, for any tree species related to the `oh`ia, including all species in the Myrtle Family, such as the Strawberry Guava (Spidium Cattle ianum). Council Member Kelly Greenwell stated that due to concerns from the public on this matter, his proposed resolution is requesting a ban on releasing biological control agents to the `oh`ia family including all species such as the strawberry guava. Furthermore, Mr. Greenwell commented that no assurances has been given that these biological control agents will not adapt, evolve and begin attacking related species including the `oh`ia; it is a risk that is detrimental and will cause irreparable harm to our native forests on the island. He is also concerned that detection of these insects might have already been released and changes are in affect according to information received from members of the public. At the meeting of April 7, 2009, Mr. Onishi moved to postpone Res. 80-09. He stated that he is in the process of gathering more information and had scheduled a meeting with State Department of Agriculture (DOA) officials. Further, he stated that it would be desirable for these officials to be present at the next meeting. Mr. Enriques spoke in support of postponement. He suggested that Dr. Tracy Johnson, Research Entomologist (Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry) for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forestry Service, should be present. The motion to postpone to April 21, 2009 was unanimously carried On April 21, 2009, Dr. Johnson provided Your Committee a brief history of bio control in Hawaii. Furthermore, he stated that any evolution shift will take many years to occur. Dr. Pat Conant, Entomologist for the DOA, briefly explained the hydrology of strawberry guava infestation in the native `oh`ia forest and its devastating impact on the watershed. Furthermore, he commented that bio control is about restoring a system that is out of balance and there are no natural enemies to control strawberry guava. Your Committee discussed another postponement at length. Some felt that postponement was needed in order to allow for the pending Environmental Assessment (EA) is completed; however, others felt that this resolution should be included as part of the EA, showing the county council's stand on the issue. Further, some members were aware that Maui County had recently passed a resolution to allow biological control, and wished for more time to discuss the issue with Maui county council members. The motion to postpone to July 7, 2009 was carried. PWIRC RPT NO. 29 Page 2 Conm.220/Res80-09 A duly noticed site visit regarding Res. 80-09 on July 7, 2009 at the Waiakea Forest Reserve in Hilo was cancelled due to lack of quorum. At the meeting on July 7, 2009, Your Committee engaged in a lengthy discussion regarding the merits of Res. 80-09, after which Mr. Greenwell expressed that he would like to withdraw the resolution. Chair Ford concurred with County Clerk Ken Goodenow that the Committee should proceed with caution and requested that Mr. Greenwell state on record his withdrawal. Items from all committee agendas for July 7, 2009 were put to a re-vote due to issues of legality and were placed back on agendas for August 4, 2009, at which time Mr. Greenwell officially retracted his July 7, 2009 withdrawal. Your Committee members discussed and commented on the proposed resolution. The difficulty of jurisdiction issues was discussed; it was stated that this is a State issue and members were concerned whether this resolution will have an impact. There were other concerns and comments such as: I) what protective measures are available for strawberry guava farmers or private citizens from losing their crops to bio control and who will be responsible for their loss; 2) possible unintended consequences due to bans, as biological control agents are an accepted part of our life and science; 3) the strawberry guava infestation will continue to kill the `oh`ia and the agricultural industry; 4) gathering lei making items such as maile, `oh`ia and plant materials from the native forest is cause for concern as strange insects and diseases are infesting the plants; causing concern with releasing further bio control; 5) the scientific community has done many years of testing of this bio control and its result will help control the strawberry guava infestation; and 6) no response has been received from Dr. Johnson on a written request to test other plants and orchids list. Committee Chair Ford reminded Your Committee of a similar resolution Res. 7 18-08which is postponed indefinitely pending completion of the EA. Ms. Ford expressed serious concern that there are no real answers by the USDA Forestry Service and the State DOA to convince residents and alleviate their questions or fears. Ms. Ford stated the scientists want people to trust them, and she finds that to be disconcerting. Your Committee on Public Works and Intergovernmental Relations is in accord with the purpose and intent of Resolution 80-09, and recommends its adoption. dkr AYE'S NOES A&E EX Respectfully submitted, ENRIQUES X FORD X COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND GREENWELL X INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS HOFFMANN X E X N ® NA EO LE X ONISHI X BRENDA.l. FOR , CHAIR YAGONG X PWIRC REPORT NO. 29 YOSHIMOTO X ADOPTED: AUG 1 9 2009 2