HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0220.030 2008-2010
Hawaii's Wilderness & Wildlife Association
P.O. Box 2046
Honoka'a, HI 96727
(808) 775-1942 fax
(808) 938-8851 cell
In support of Resolution 80-09
Hawaii County Council, 8/18/09
Hawaii's Wilderness & Wildlife Associate is a group of nearly 1500 registered
voters who spend an ample amount of time in the forests hunting, gathering, and
replenishing. Most of us have been taught by our ancestors how to live, love, work, and
nurture our land. We have seen how many of our forests and valleys are being overrun
by many different invasive species, and yes, this is a problem.
Many lawmakers and land stewards have looked elsewhere (like bio-control) to
answer the ever growing problems that arise in our community. We believe that the
time has come to stop looking outside for the answers and instead see what we as
families and community members can do to support each other, and solve our own
problems!
We support the ban on the use of bio-control on anything in the Myrtle family.
We believe that our beloved Ohia and many others in this family are too valuable to be
put at any type of risk. As we all know, our ecosystem in Hawaii is already very fragile
and we should take serious consideration when introducing any foreign entities. Let us
stop bringing more pests and problems to our land. Don't you think we have more than
enough already?
With the on going recession and ever growing need for work, shouldn't we
instead be turning to the people for ideas and solutions? Shouldn't we instead be looking
at ways to utilize what is already here as means of self-sustainability?
We hear much talk, but little action on the self sufficiency of our island ohana.
There truly are many great and wonderful ideas and plans that our very own
community members have put together that could really work! For example, one of our
Board of Directors, Mr. Lloyd Case has been very successful in hand clearing many acres
of the invasive Kahili Ginger up in the Kohala Mountains. And I personally have been
involved in clearing 18 acres of the invasive strawberry guava effectively while leaving
other natives to flourish. This can be done with the right equipment, employees, and
most importantly the right attitude. We have come up with excellent solutions on how to
harvest this particular invasive and use it as a means of bio fuel. But where is the
support and funding for these programs?
I challenge this county council to take a stand, do what is right, and make a
righteous decision. Support the ban on bio-control for the Myrtle family, and take serious
consideration to any other type of bio-control being proposed. Give lands back to the
people and support any program or project that can help our island become self
sufficient which will intern stimulate our economy and create a healthier and happier
cdrfimunityl
J = Sincerely,
Cr')
Troy S. Martinez
CD President
Hawaii's Wilderness & Wildlife Association
CQM01 No. 22 0. 3 ~
Ref. To, Peet aQ e4)w+1 t.:
Ref. Date AUG 19 2009