HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-02-03 Letter to Ryan Yamane and Chris Todd Re: HB 2015 Relating to Invasive SpeciesHarry Kim
Mayor
Roy Takemoto
Managing Director
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
County of Hawaii
Office of the Mayor
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553
KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
(808)323-4444 9 Fax(808)323-4440
February 3, 2020
Representative Ryan I. Yamane, Chair
Representative Chris Todd, Vice Chair
Committee on Water, Land, & Hawaiian Affairs
Hawai'i State Legislature
Dear Chair Yamane, Vice -Chair Todd, and Committee members:
RE: HB 2015 Relating to Invasive Species
HB 2015 is a valuable bill, as the control of this invasive species is very
important, not only to the environment on the upper slopes of Mauna kea, but also to
prevent gorse's spread to the lower slopes during rain events.
I would suggest that the development of a pilot project include consultation with
the Big Island and Hawaii Invasive Species Councils, DLNR, HDOA, Natural Resource
Conservation Service and University of Hawaii specialists, to provide input and
guidance to avoid unintended consequences of further spreading the plant, plant parts,
or seeds during removal and repurposing of the gorse. I would also suggest that the
Hawai'i County Game Management Advisory Commission be invited to consult, since
that Commission has long expressed concern about the spread of gorse and the fire
hazard it represents.
Respectfully Submitted,
o �
Harry KirrrO
MAYOR
County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.