HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-02-19 Letter to Sylvia Luke and Ty J.K. Cuellen HB 2015, HD1 Relating to Invasive Species ar ' Roy Takemoto
4pV�t ".M,�7••.• Managing Director
Harry Kim •
Mayor , --
•r? y�� Barbara J. Kossow
V4.••1P` Deputy Managing Director
County of Hawaii
Office of the Mayor
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February 19, 2020
Representative Sylvia Luke, Chair
Representative Ty J.K. Cullen, Vice Chair
Committee on Finance
Dear Chair Luke, Vice Chair Cullen, and Committee Members:
RE: HB 2015, HD1 Relating to Invasive Species
HB 2015, HD1 is a valuable bill, as the control of this invasive species is very
important, not only to the environment on the upper slopes of Maunakea, 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
Hawaii 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.
Re •ectfully Submitted,
I �.
arry
MAYOR
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