HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0872.007 2010-2012 t�qs-�'.k.,'•, Phone No.: (808)961-8261
DONALD IKEDA :.., �d4
Council Member Fax No.: (808)961-8912
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District 2 South Hilo : � E-mail: dikeda @co.hawaii.hi.us
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HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL
County of Hawai`i
Hawaii County Building
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Date: November 5, 2012 _
To: Dominic Yagong, Chair ```
Hawaii County Council __
And Council Members
From: 14.\Donald Ikeda, Council Member
Re: Bill 316—Allowing egg production for home use
Attached please find testimony I received from former Chief Wayne Carvalho regarding the
above referenced bill.
I request that this letter be referred to the appropriate agenda for this matter.
DI:awm
Att.
cc: Jamae Kawauchi
Glynis Yamada, Council Services Supervisor
Jeanette Aiello, Committee Services Supervisor
All Council Members
Comm. No.. �'Z`
Ref.To: N0�0 8 2 12
Ref. Date
Hawai`i County Is An Equal Opportunity Provider And Employer
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November 5,2012 `
Dear Chairman and members:
Hawaii County Council
25Aupuni Street
Hilo 96720
RE: Communication 872 (Bill 316) amending Chapter 25,Article 5, Division 1,
Section 25-5-3 of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2005 edition,as amended)to
include Egg Production for Home Consumption as a permitted use in Single-Family
residential districts)
As a resident of the Pi'ihonua neighborhood in Hilo for 37 years, I wish to register
my multiple concerns over a pending proposal to permit poultry raising in the
residentially zone districts of our Big Island.
As I have discussed this proposition with many others I have become worried about
its possible impact on property values and consequential lost income to the county
treasury that relies primarily on real property tax proceeds.
In addition, I wish that you examine many unintended consequences from this plan.
There appears to us to be obvious nuisance issues that range from noise at odd
hours, odor and control of chicken droppings particularly during rainy periods that
occur with some frequency in Hilo. Despite noisy rooster crowing often cited by
neighbors,hens can be just as disruptive during twilight and predawn periods.
These chickens also likely will become attractive to predators such as rats and
mongoose as well as the island's expanding feral feline population. Provisions to
secure and control poultry feed appear absent from the amendment drafts I have
read,as is the proper disposal of waste and excrement into septic tanks and leech
fields as is now the common practice with dog kennels.
A deeper concern is the potential impact on human health.Avian disease has caused
global alarm.A scant look at the"American Association of Avian Pathologists,"
suggest a link of infection spread by feral chickens--see the most recent September
2012 publication that discusses interaction of feral chickens with horses.
"A Major Outbreak of Streptococcus ... Infections in Range-Chickens Is Linked To
Horses"is the specific example I wish you to investigate because of the potential
human health links.
-2-
I urge you to seek expert advice from our scientific community,such as those at the
College of Tropical Agriculture at University of Hawaii.
Most of us are aware of deadly bird flu that has plagued South East Asia poultry
producers and the workers there.
When all these concerns are weighed together this amendment appears at least
premature --if not ill advised--without further and deeper technical review. I
would suggest your staff contact Real Estate Brokers and experts on the question of
loss of property values for homeowners,in the event this measure is adopted.
If it is approved,is compensation for loss of valuation contemplated?
My understanding is that Hawaii County has a more than an ample supply of
agriculturally zoned parcels on which chickens and their products may be freely
raised without disrupting those who wish to enjoy their residentially zoned home
sites.
Should the council decide to proceed, I urge island-wide pubic hearings be
conducted after appropriate publicity and notice and after a thorough scientific
investigation and report.
Thank you for your consideration.
•
W.v, e Carvalho,
Hilo