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HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP AWESC 003 2016/05/03 (2014-2016) REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, WATER AND ENERGY SUSTAINABILITY DATE:May 3, 2016 Re: Comm. No. 850/Res. No. 516-16 PLACE: Council Chambers Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i TIME: 10:40 a.m. Council Chair and Members Hawai`i County Council Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 Your Committee on Agriculture, Water and Energy Sustainability, to which was referred Resolution 516-16, reports as follows: Resolution 516-16, transmitted by Council Member Greggor Ilagan, dated April 1, 2016, urges the adminstration of the County of Hawai`i to take appropiate steps to prevent the spread of Rapid `Ohi`a Death. Resolution 516-16 was first heard at the Agriculture, Water and Energy Sustainability Committee on April 19, 2016. Dr. J. B. Friday from the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Cooperative Extension Service and Dr. Flint Hughes from the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry were present to explain the disease and the current status of it on Hawaii Island. They explained it is a new strain of the fungus Ceratocystis fimbriata and that it is spreading rapidly across the island. They explained that it is spread by contaminated sawdust being spread by humans, beetles and the wind, as well as from tree to tree contact. To help contain the sawdust, they recommend cutting down infected trees with a tarp on the ground to catch the sawdust and treating them using a sanitary method, such as covering, burning or moving in an enclosed vehicle to a proper disposal site. They also said that vehicles, tools, and boots need to be sanitized to stop the spreading of it. They emphasized the need for public education. They stated that some areas, such as Puna, are heavily infected but there are still lots of healthy forests which can be effectively protected. Public testifier Mr. Shane Nelson stated that it is important to include Hawaiian traditional practices and knowledge in solving the problem as well as scientific knowledge. Council Members asked about the possible use for firewood (yes if stored in secure place), community outreach programs for education (currently ongoing), and funding sources (Federal, State and County). Resolution 516-16 was postponed to the May 3, 2016 Agriculture, Water and Energy Sustainability Committee meeting. At the May 3, 2016 Agriculture, Water and Energy Sustainability Committee meeting, Council Member Ilagan moved to amend Resolution 516-16 with the contents of Communication 850.1, AWESC Report No.: 3 AWESC-3 Page 2 May 3, 2016 which includes suggestions from public testifier Shane Nelson (inclusion of Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners) and Elizabeth Green (the economic impact of Rapid `Ohi`a Death, with a focus on tourism and agriculture). Council Member Ilagan did a verbal amendment to the amendment (removed specific cultural practitioners in favor of the general term, Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners) which the Committee passed by a vote of 8-0-1. Dr. Dr. Flint Hughes and Public testifier Mr. Shane Nelson were present to answer questions. Council Member Paleka stated that the resolution should be written in Hawaiian. Other Council Members were supportive if it doesn't slow down the progress of the resolution. Council Member Chung stated that the resolution should request Governor Ige declare an Emergency Proclamation to emphasize the severity of the problem, get additional funding to expand staffing (including a Forest Pathologist), and increase the public education outreach programs. Council Member Ilagan stated that he will introduce that amendment at the Council reading. Council Member Onishi stated that he would try to setup a meeting with the Governor. Committee Chair Wille stated that the situation reminds her of the little fire ant 10 years ago as the County waited for the State to act (which did not happen, allowing the little fire ant to get out of control). She stressed the County needs to react and ramp up efforts immediately. She thinks an assessment of where we have people in place now such as non- profits and other groups would help. She discussed the use of the cut down trees in the mulch program when it comes online as the mulching temperature will kill off the spores She further stated that this virus should be treated like a wildfire and "firebreaks" need to be set up. She encouraged that there be a master plan for dealing with the unaffected areas, and not just for the affected and perimeter areas, basically dividing the island in two zones—possibly using a quarantine model. Dr. Hughes was supportive of the "firebreaks" idea and that on the east side of the island the line would be north of Saddle Road and on the west side it would be north of Kaloko. He stated that things like extra watering or fertilizing won't have an effect on the trees resistance but that is best to avoid pruning `Ohi`a as that creates open wounds for the spores to enter. He stressed that a coordinated effort will be needed to continue to stop the spread of the disease. Your Committee on Agriculture, Water and Energy Sustainability is in accord with the purpose and intent of Resolution 516-16, as amended to Draft 2, and recommends its adoption. dh AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted, CHUNG X DAVID x COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, WATER EOFF x AND ENERGY SUSTAINAIILITY i ILAGAN X KANUHA X / ONISHI X PALEKA x MARGARET MLLE, CHAIR POINDEXTER X AWESC REPORT NO.: 3 WILLE x ADOPTED: MAY 1 7 2016