HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP EMC 004 10/04/2011 2010-2012REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
DATE: October 4, 2011
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawaii
TIME: 1:00 p.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawai `i 96720
Re: Comm. 386/Bill 112
Your Committee on Environmental Management, to which was referred Bill 112, reports as
follows:
Bill 112, transmitted by Council Member Dominic Yagong, via Communication No. 386 dated
September 21, 2011, is an Ordinance amending Chapter 14, General Welfare, Hawaii County
Code 1983 (2005 Edition, as amended), relating to restricting transporting of living Axis Deer
into the County of Hawai
The purpose of the Bill is to protect Hawaii Island's native forests, private property, and
agriculture industries from damages and adverse impacts that may be caused by Axis Deer.
Violators shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and be subject to a fine of up to $2,000 or
imprisonment for a period of up to one year, or both. Pana`ewa Rainforest Zoo is exempt.
Mr. Yagong took notice of a presentation to Council by Mr. Jan Schipper regarding this subject.
The county has not previously taken action such as this but is allowed to do so by the County
Charter. However, the Council is limited to imposing fines not greater than $2,000 and one year
in jail. While this is the maximum fine, this bill also sends the message that transportation of
live Axis Deer into this county is not acceptable. From testimony given this morning he would
like to consider an amendment to include the harboring of these animals to also be in violation.
It is in the DLNR realm of authority to impound boats and helicopters that assist in transportation
of these animals as was suggested.
Waimea is very concerned that this has the potential to destroy farming activities almost
overnight. As well as cattle that may come into jeopardy as they compete for vegetation. The
range of axis deer is mostly on private land and opens illegal opportunity for poaching and
destruction of property. There is a very short window to address this need early as this island
experienced the coqui frog and helconia issues that escalated quickly. Should this bill pass at
this time Mr. Yagong will be entering some amendments at its next reading.
Mr. Hoffman agrees with this bill but asked if the penalties are for a single action or per animal.
What if multiple or truck loads of axis deer are brought in, how is the penalty applied? He
suggested making this a penalty per animal.
Ms. Ford also agrees with this bill and asked that mule deer, white tail deer, moose, and elk be
added, as these are big animals and equally dangerous.
EMC Rept. No.: 4
EMC -4 Page 2 October 4, 2011
Mr. Blas agrees with this bill and stresses that this could be as bad as our coqui frog problem if
not dealt with quickly. He emphasized the damage to ranchers and vehicular accidents as
negative impacts from these animals.
Ms. Smart agrees with this bill and thanks the council and public for all the discussion. She
looks forward to hearing this again with amendments.
Your Committee is in accord with the purpose and intent of Bill 112 and recommends its passage
on first reading.
BS:st
Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL
MANAGEMENT
-ilregiftatill.
SMART, CHAIR
MC REPORT NO. 4
ADOPTED:
AYES
NOES
A &E
EX
BLAS
X
FORD
X
HOFFMANN
X
IKEDA
X
ONISHI
X
PILAGO
X
SMART
X
YAGONG
X
YOSHIMOTO
X
Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL
MANAGEMENT
-ilregiftatill.
SMART, CHAIR
MC REPORT NO. 4
ADOPTED:
OFFICE INFORMATION ONLY
Meeting:
Action:
October 19, 2011— Council Meeting (29th Session)
Withdrawn by Introducer — Brittany Smart
Re: Bill 112 (Comm. 386) / EMC -4