HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-03-09 Letter to Maile S.L. Shimabukuro and Kaialii Kahele HB 2015, HD1 Relating to Invasive Species
County of Hawai‘i
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Roy Takemoto
Managing Director
Harry Kim
Mayor
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
March 9, 2020
Kenekoa/Senator Maile S.L. Shimabukuro, Luna Hoʻomalu/Chair
Kenekoa/Senator Kaialiʻi Kahele, Hope Luna Hoʻomalu/Vice Chair
Committee on Hawaiian Affairs
Dear Chair Shimabukuro, Vice Chair Kahele, 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 Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Councils, DLNR, HDOA, Natural Resource
Conservation Service and University of Hawaiʻi 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 ask that the Hawaiʻi
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,
Harry Kim
MAYOR