HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0143.029 2014-2016GOUPiT( ' CLERK
Murashige, Laura �Q�ury ^� 7 uAW&II
From: JR Miles' <jr.miles@yahoo.com> 2IM5 MAY 14 AM 7' 50
Sent: Wednesday, May 13, 2015 4:48 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Banning glyphosate etc.
Aloha,
I'm writing because I am wish to show my support for the county workers that maintain our parks and
roadways. I've seen all the effort and funds spent by the county trying to keep invasive weeds and
trees away from our roadways. Though it seems like it's taken forever, (maybe because whenever
there are funding issues we, literally, lose ground to the vegetation) I feel as though the roads in
Puna, N. Hilo, and S. Hilo are for the most part under control.
I am not a layman, I have worked 17 years in the horticulture and landscape industries, and can't for
the life of me figure on what it is people want. They want the albizia, melochia, bingaging,
gunpowder, and maile pilau gone; they're tired of trees falling on power lines; they're tired of road
closures; they're tired of the absentee owners allowing these trees to get out of control; and yet they
don't want to use the best (an only practical) tool available.
Nobody is on an herbicide consumption campaign, most of us are reluctant to gear up and spray, but
we do it because we have to. Herbicides are the only practical control method for dealing with these
species. Myself, and most others in the industry, don't relish the idea of spraying, it is filthy, thankless
work and I suspect most county workers feel the same way.
Regarding neonics and other systemic insecticides. Neonics are still generally safer to people and
wildlife than many other pesticides on the market today, even many organic products. The labels on
these products, outside of agricultural use, general state when not to apply the insecticide, when
beneficial insects are present, when the plants to be sprayed are flowering, or if the plan to flower
within the next 6-8 weeks. By simply following the label instructions, most non -target exposure can
be avoided.
Still, I doubt the county uses much, if any, systemic insecticides. I can't for the life of me think of any
reason other than trying to extend the life of a wili-wili.
Thank you for listening,
Jesse Miles
Pahoa
COMM. No. 14 3,1.1
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