HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0386.027 2010-2012Murashige, Laura
From: TPLCKahua@aol.com
Sent: Monday, October 03, 2011 11:19 AM
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: Hawaii Count Bill 112
Attachments: Axis Deer Bill 112 10'3'11.docx
Dear County Council,
Please accept my testimony of support on Bill 112.
Aloha,
Herbert M "Tim" Richards Ill, DVM
Kahua Ranch Ltd.
P.O. Box 837
Kamuela, Hawaii 96743
10/3/2011
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QUA RA
LTD.
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ESTAB. K928
HAWAII
KAHUA RANCH, LTD.
P. 0. Box 837
Kamuela, Hawaii 96743
(808) 882 -4646
(808) 882-4444 Fax
Council of the County of Hawaii
Environmental Management Committee
Bill No. 112
Relating to restricting the transportation of Axis deer into the County of
Hawaii.
October 3, 2011
Good afternoon.
My name is Herbert M Richards III DVM, known to most as Tim Richards.
I am currently the General Manager of Kahua Ranch Ltd, a family owned and operated
cattle ranch on the slopes of the Kohala Mountains. I am a herd health veterinarian here
in Hawaii, serve as the state president for our Hawaii Cattlemen's Council and am
involved nationally with the cattle industry and the veterinary profession as it pertains to
the cattle industry. I also sit on Mayor Kenoi's Agriculture Advisory Commission.
I am writing today as an individual on behalf of Kahua Ranch Ltd and as a rancher to
express my strong support of Bill 112 with a suggested change to also make it
unlawful to transport Axis Deer that are already here on island anywhere within Hawaii
County.
Axis Deer have been identified in Ka'u; they are already on the island. We don't need
more of them illegally shipped over there from other Islands or moved to new locations
on the Big Island. With a concerted effort, the Deer can be eradicated before they
become a nuisance, unless people intentionally transport them to new locations.
Agriculture on Hawaii has endured drought conditions for many years. Maui has shown
us what kind of damage an uncontrolled invasive species like the Axis Deer can bring.
Our environment is fragile enough without an impact like this.
I urge you to support and pass this very important bill.
Aloha,
Herbert M "Tim" Richards III DVM