HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0988.006 2018-2020From: Cory Harden
Sent: Thursday, July 02, 2020 6:47 PM
To: Chung, Aaron; David, Maile; Eoff, Karen; Kanealii-Kleinfelder, Matt; Kierkiewicz, Ashley; Lee
Loy, Sue; Poindexter, Valerie; Richards, Tim; Villegas, Rebecca; Council Testimony
Subject: support Bill 178 forest FC 7-7-20
Aloha Councilmembers,
COUNTY CLERK
COUNTY OF HAWAI°I
RECEIVED
Time 6:11 dP% BY
Date JUL 0 2 2020
Please support Bill 178 to encourage forest preservation and restoration by property owners.
The current forest dedication law is not working. In the 16 years since it was passed, there have been only 129 dedications, and
zero reforestation dedications.
Bill 178 would increase participation in the program. It would allow food crops and some non-native species (but not harmful
invasives), and would allow dedication even if land is covered by lava, with the goal of keeping invasives out.
Bill 178 would also set lower taxes, and with no waiting period, to encourage owners to commit to preservation and restoration
work.
We need healthy forests to grow food, slow climate change, provide habitat for native species, support native Hawaiian culture,
and provide places to refresh our spirits.
Mahalo!
Cory Harden
-Comm. No. qft. 10
Ref. To: P V G
Ref. Date, 11111 0 7