HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP EMC 003 2017/08/15 (2016-2018) REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
DATE: August 15, 2017 Re: Comm. No. 382/Res. 250-17
PLACE: Council Chambers
Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i
TIME: 10:18 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawai`i County Council
Hilo, Hawai`i 96720
Your Committee on Environmental Management, to which was referred Resolution No. 250-17,
reports as follows:
Resolution No. 250, transmitted by Council Member Karen Eoff, via Communication No. 382,
dated July 21, 2017, authorizes the director of Finance to enter into a right-of-way entry
agreement with Cyanotech Corporation to allow access to the Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment
Plant for the habitat conservation of Hawaiian Silts and Hawaiian Coots.
On August 15, 2017, one testifier from the public asked questions regarding what predators
would be targeted and what methods would be used to mitigate or remove them. She reminded
committee members that humane methods exist and should be utilized.
Council Member Eoff stated that some of the testifiers concerns were addressed in
Communication No. 382.1, which was submitted by J. Scott Waddington the biologist and
independent contractor that will carry out the work.
Diane Noda, Deputy Director of the Department of Environmental Management identified three
specific threats that will be addressed: mongoose, cats and cattle egrets. She assured committee
members that no poison would be used, and that mongooses and cats will be trapped and an air
gun will be used in the early morning hours to "scare" away the egrets. Cats will also be trapped
in"Have a Heart" traps and taken to facilities for adoption to the public.
Committee Chair O'Hara requested Mr. Waddington be present to answer questions at the
Council meeting when this item comes before the full council for consideration.
EMC Report No. 3
EMC-3 Page 2 August 15, 2017
Your Committee on Environmental Management is in accord with the purpose and intent of
Resolution No. 250-17 and recommends its adoption.
bl
AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted,
CHUNG X
DAVID x COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL
EOFF x MANAGEMENT
KANUHA X
LEE LOY X
O'HARA X
POINDEXTER x EILEEN O'HARA, CHAIR
RICHARDS X EMC REPORT NO.: 3
RUGGLES X ADOPTED: SEP 0 7 2017