HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0386.023 2010-2012Murashige, Laura
CUUii-4. 3
From: Jennifer Johansen [jbjohans @hawaii.edu]
Sent: Monday, October 03, 2011 11:47 AM
To: counciltestimony @co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: Bill 112
Attachments: Bill 112 Testimony.doc
Please see the attached testimony for Bill #112. Mahalo, Jennifer Johansen
10/3/2011
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Jennifer Johansen
Ho'oulu Lehua
PO Box 1993
Pahoa, HI 96778
808 - 345 -8544
Aloha members of the committee,
I am writing regarding Bill #112; I am strongly in favor of creating legal restrictions on the
transportation of Axis deer into the County of Hawai`i and penalties for those who do so.
The introduction of Axis deer to the island of Hawaii is will not only cause significant
problems to numerous agricultural sectors but is of great detriment to our fragile native
ecosystems. Hawai'i's unique biodiversity is often not a priority to the public because there
is no direct economic impact. However, I see this as only an extension of the
disconnectedness from nature that plagues our modern society. The value of our endemic
species far exceeds economics; these are truly a local treasure and it is our responsibility to
care for and ensure that they are preserved for future generations. Axis deer will devastate
defenseless native plants (which create a habitat) accustomed to growing for hundreds of
years without such predators. Do we really want a landscape devoid of Hawaiian native
species? Axis deer across the landscape will move us closer to that reality. When will we
stop to realize that the time is now to protect and take pride in the remaining native natural
areas that make Hawai'i unique. Please pass this bill!
Mahalo Nui Loa!
Jennifer Johansen
Ho'oulu Lehua Project Coordinator (Puna -based youth education, hands -on forest
restoration)