HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0997.004 2016-2018 Pi CARICIL
COMM . O 6-1
Springer Kaye, Manager
Big Island Invasive Species Committee
23 E Kawili Street
Hilo, HI 96720
September 19,2018 .z'
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Hawaii County Council —
Valerie Poindexter,Chair o()
Hilo, Hawaii 96720rn
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Testimony regarding Bill 169: Establishing an account and intended use of revenue associated wigthe�..
General Excise Tax Surcharge.
Aloha,
I support the intent of Bill 169 and would like to call the council members'attention to a related
transportation matter,the management of Albizia on county-owned roads. Prior to the onset of the
May 2018 Lava Flow,the Mayor had budgeted$300,000 for the removal of very large Albizia from
Kahakai Blvd. These funds were regretfully removed from the budget as the costs for the lava response
grew. Over the summer we had two very serious encounters with powerful hurricanes,which might
have caused a repeat of Tropical Storm Iselle's impact had things gone differently. Also during summer,
BIISC was able to use$145,000 in state funds to successfully remove Albizia from two miles of Maku'u
Drive.
On behalf of the Big Island Invasive Species Committee and the residents affected by Albizia on public
roads, I ask the council to consider whether it might be possible to reinstate this project using the funds
made available in this transportation related account.
With gratitude,
4777,7
Springer Kaye
Comm. No. qq1 .4
Ref. To: p oufUI
Ref. Date S 1 9 2019