HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0220.029 2008-2010
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Yoshimoto, J
From: Uluhe Design [uluhedesign@yahoo.com]
Sent: Tuesday, August 18, 2009 11:55 AM
To: bford@co.hawaii.hi.us; dikeda@co.hawaii.hi.us; donishi@co.hawaii.hi.us;
dyagong@co.hawaii.hi.us; enaeole aeco.hawaii.hi.us; genriques@co.hawaii.hi.us;,
jyoshimoto@co.hawaii.hi.us; kgreenwell@co.hawaii.hi.us; phoffmann@co.hawaii.hiu's
Subject: Testimony on Reso 80-09 Biocontrol Ban
CO
Aloha Council Members,
I am writing today to urge you to vote down Reso 80-09, which would ban the use of T. ovatus and other
biocontrols in Hawai'i County.
I have followed this issue for some time, and have heard testimony from a few, very vocal individuals
who say they want to ban the use of biocontrol in order to "save" the 'ohi'a forest.
Meanwhile, conservationists, scientists, environmental advocates and many others who are actively
involved in invasive species work here have supported the release of the biocontrol because of the much
greater, immediate damage that the invasive weed strawberry guava is causing to our forests right now.
It is easy to sit in an armchair and hypothesize about the many alternative ways to control the guava,
especially if one has never been involved in hands-on conservation efforts.
It is consyderably more difficult to do something about it on the ground. While the idea of finding a
worthwhile use for this rampant weed is commendable, having worked on several invasive species
removal projects, I can confidently say that even if every strawberry guava tree was encrusted with
diamonds, it would still be impossible to remove enough of them manually without damaging native
plants to make a real difference.
The forests are declining at an alarming rate. Biocontrol is our best bet for the long term. I believe that
15 years of research assures us that this is a reasonably safe option, and even with the risks, is far better
than standing by doing nothing while our forests disappear.
Please vote no on Reso 80-09
Thank you,
Malia Messick
Ke'e ke'e, Hawai'i
220.2 9
Reif. To ° `a tl N/t~t
8/18/2009 Ref. Date. Aub 1:1 28