HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-01 - HB 1872 Legislative Testimony.draft
\[Insert County of Hawai’i/Mayor’s Letterhead\]
January ___, 2022
Representative _________________
\[Insert Committee name\]
Hawai‘i State Capitol
Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96813
Dear Chair ___ and members:
RE: Written testimony in support of HB 1872
Thank you for this opportunity to testify in support of HB 1872.
I write this testimony in support of HB 1872, relating to Sustainability, which amends
Section 183D-2, Hawai‘i Revised Statutes, which requires the Department of Land and Natural
Resources (DLNR) to recognize that game mammals and game birds provide a food source and
play a role in native Hawaiian traditional and customary practices. HB 1872 also lends it
support to achieve a right balance between the management of game mammal and game
populations and sustainability of their natural habitats to reduce negative impacts of important
watershed areas while recognizing Hawai‘i’s public trust responsibilities as to its land and ocean.
HB 1872 adds value and worthiness of our local wild game resources.
Local wild game resources have cultural and historical value, many depend on to this
day. These resources are of particular value in a time when imported food has become uncertain
and very expensive. Local businesses are springing up, utilizing wild meat. Local people are
more often turning to wild caught meat for their sustainability.
The DLNR has never had a classic model Game Management Plan in place. With
properly managed game populations, grazers and browsers can benefit native species by
controlling weeds and invasive grass fire fuel loads, while also maintaining a perpetual resource
for sustainability.
The predominant eradication agenda has for years put our local game resources at serious
risk. I respectfully ask for your support of HB 1872.
Respectfully submitted,
Mitch D. Roth
Mayor
cc: Hawai’i County Game Management Advisory Commission