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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0988.003 2018-2020Hawaii -Pacific Weed Risk Assessment Hawaii Invasive Species Council �^ P.O. Box 532 V Honokaa, HI 96727 WHIM July 6, 2020 COUNTY CLERK COUNTY'OF HAWAI ' I Hawaii County Council RECEIVED Office of the County Clerk Time 11:41 W Byjffr 25 Aupuni Street Date JUL Q 6 ,2020 Hilo, HI 96720 Honorable Members of the Council: I am writing testimony in support of Bill 178, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 19, ARTICLE 8, SECTION 19- 59, OF THE HAWAII COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING TO NATIVE FOREST DEDICATIONS. Since 2007, 1 have been employed as the state Weed Risk Assessment Specialist, tasked with evaluating non-native plants for their potential to become environmental or agricultural weeds in the islands. The goal of this program is to both identify high risk plants before they become problem weeds, as well as to promote the use of native, and non-invasive alternatives in the landscape and garden. In accordance with the goals of this program, Bill 178 encourages landowners to preserve their native -dominated forest properties, and to restore their invasive -dominated forests into more healthy, functional forest communities using native, Polynesian and lower risk, or non-invasive, non-native species. I and my colleagues in the island invasive species committees are often contacted by private landowners who are concerned about contributing to Hawaii's invasive plant problems, and who are looking for guidance on how to best protect native species and habitats. With Bill 178, we will be able to point to concrete financial incentives that can further help these conscientious landowners in their preservation 'or restoration goals. We've made great strides in educating people about the risks that invasive species pose to our health, environment and economy, as well as of the importance of healthy, functional and culturally significant ecosystems, and Bill 178 can be one more important component to ensure our continued success. Mahalo for your consideration. Sincerely, Charles Chimera Hawaii -Pacific Weed Risk Assessment Hawaii Invasive Species Council P.O. Box 532 Honokaa, HI 96727 Website: plantpono.org Comm. No. "l O b • 3 Ref. ' To: QL Ref. Date J U L 0 7 2029