HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0220.036 2008-2010FROM F+D HOLSCHUH - 3F RANCH PHONE N0. 7759027
Aug. 19 2009 06:32PM P~?
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P.O. Box 2004 - W
Honokaa, Hawaii 96727, (808 $ ~ ~ ;
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'T'O: J Yoshimoto, Chair, Hawaii County Council.ahd~lYtembers ; _,`,"r`-•.it,
FROM: Dr. Fred C. l~olschuh
DATE: August 19, 2009
SUBJEC'C: Resolution 80-09 Relating to Biological Control
Chair Yo:shimoto and Members:
I wholeheartedly endorse passage of Resolution 80-09, which requests a ban on
biological control agents, including the Brazilian Scale insect, on the island of Flawaii for
any tree species related to the O'hia, including Stxawbezry Cruava. In a state that prides
itself on control of alien and invasive species, this proposal seems like the ultimate irony.
I will list my comments in bullet fashion:
^ I live in a rural area in Hamakua and in my 35 years here, have learxxed how to
control the strawberry guava when necessary. Additionally, I use the wood, my
wife makes jelly from the fruit and it serves as a food source for birds, animals
artd people.
^ Tlie tree can grow quite large and has a great deal of aesthetic value to many
p~:ople. The infi~irageatent on private property rights has the potential for huge
fi~aancial liability against the state of Hawaii
^ A s a former Hawau county council member, I am very disturbed that the huge
public outcry against this proposed project is apparently being disregarded by the
state.
I^ Tlie scale insects may well have destructive effects on other trees and plants
including the O'hia tree.
^ In spite of assurances that testiang has been done, this program is clearly
e}:perirnental. As a physician, I am very concerned about the release of a
biological agent which by its nature, will spread throughout the state, far Erom the
forests, into privately owned property and has the potential for sigflificsnt
wuntended consequences. Like bacteria, viruses, and other insects, there are no
gi~aracitees that through mutation andlor other adaptation, this insect might well
cause mass destruction of other fond and. ornamental trees and plants.
I respectfully ask the council to lend its .full support to halting this proposed
bioio;3ica1 control program. Thank you.
Alohs-, ~ -- .. ~1----
Frederick C. Holschuh, M.D.
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