HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0386.012 2010-2012Murashige, Laura all- I I 2/ C-Ort4
From: Karin Schlappa [ka.schlappa@gmail.corn]
Sent: Monday, October 03, 2011 11:03 AM
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: axis deer testimony
Attachments: AxisDeerTestimony.doc
see attachment for testimony in favor of restricting axis deer import to Hawaii Island.
mahalo,
Karin Schlappa
10/3/2011
Page 1 of 1
Karin Schlappa
PO Box 563
Volcano, HI 96785
(808) 967 -7319
Council of the County of Hawaii
Environmental Management Committee
October 3rd 2011
Testimony of:
Karin Schlappa
Regarding Bill # 112
Aloha Mr. Chair and members of the committee.
My name is Karin Schlappa I live and vote, in Volcano, HI and have been working in biological
conservation on Hawai'i Island for the last 15 years. I appreciate the opportunity to address Bill 112. I
am strongly in favor of restricting the transportation of Axis deer into the County of Hawaii.
The introduction of axis deer to the island of Hawai i would cause significant impacts to various agricultural
sectors of the island as well as lands protected by local, state or federal conservation agencies. On Maui,
Molokai and Lanai the residents, farmers and business owners are already being adversely affected by axis
deer populations. With the ability to jump over stock and conservation fences it could cost the conservation
community at least $20 million dollars to retrofit enclosures and other barriers. For the private landowners and
farmers to raise their fences, total island wide costs could be as high as $190 million.
As the origin of the deer remains in question we cannot dismiss the fact that any deer brought to the Big Island
could be reservoirs for bovine tuberculosis. The impact of this disease on the Hawaii Island cattle industry
would be devastating.
Hawai'i Islands numerous large protected areas comprise over 1 million acres of conservation lands managed
by federal, state, local and private agencies. These include national parks, wildlife refuges, forest reserves, and
private land owners. All of these areas would eventually experience the adverse effects of an established axis
deer population.
There is a push for diversified agriculture on Hawaii Island; the island has enormous potential to produce food
and energy crops, in addition to cattle and dairy. Because of its large carry capacity the Big Island would likely
see a significantly larger population of axis deer than Maui, Molokai or Lanai unless the import of deer is
restricted.
All reports indicate that axis deer continue to be brought to the Big Island from other islands, establishing
populations across the island from Ka`u to Kohala. An ordinance restricting transportation of living axis deer
into the county of Hawai'i would assist in protecting Hawai'i Island's native forest, private property owners,
the agriculture industries and the general public from damages and adverse impacts that may be caused by
Axis deer.
Respectfully submitted,
Karin Schlappa