HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0386.015 2010-2012Council of the County of Hawaii
Environmental Management Committee
October 4th 2011
Testimony of John Replogle
Regarding Bill # 112
Bill No. 112 relating to restricting the transportation of Axis deer"
John R. Replogle
PO Box 1152
Naalehu, HL 96772
PIEMC1
112-
CUM 38 '
Section - 14 Should read as follows.
Intentionally imports, possesses, harbors, transfers, or transports, including through interisland or
intra - island movement, with the intent to propagate, sell, or release, Axis Deer (Axis Axis)
unless otherwise allowed by law, shall be guilty of a class C felony and subject to a fine of not
less than $50,000, but not more than $200,000., $20,000, 5 years, Class C Felony."
I strongly recommend an amendment to change the penalty Section.
If the people who brought the Axis Deer on to Hawaii Island had even the slightest respect for
our Native Ecosystems, our Agricultural production (the talk of needing to be more Hawaii
based food reliant) and just plain respect for the citizens of the State of Hawaii to weigh in on the
discussion of whether or not to allow the deer in or not chose to just do it for their own selfish
ends. If one looks at what has happened on Maui County you will see the disastrous results of
that Counties choice to allow Axis Deer on to that Island.
It is very important to have good teeth in this legislation so there is no possible way for a person
to ignore penalties for breaking this law. As we know from the Coqui experience we must have a
NO HARBORING statement in the law. This is a turning point; if we do not address this
properly now then who is to say that Cobra snakes won't be next because a small group of
people know what is best for all of us. Not addressing this issue properly now could open the
flood gates of unwanted introduced pests into our State and County. At least Let us protect
Hawaii Island the potential State bread basket.
I support tough strict legislation against Axis Deer being allowed to remain on this Island and
any future importation of alien species on to Hawaii Island.
Please act now and decisively to stop the potential irreparable devastation brought on with
allowing Axis Deer to remain on Hawaii Island.
Thank you for your Consideration.
Yours Truly,
John Replogle
Naalehu, Hi
Comm. No.
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