HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-8 albizia letter DRAFTCommunication No. 2014 -8
February 1, 2014
To Warren Lee and Public Works, Greggor Ilagan, Zendo Kern, Russell
Ruderman and Faye Hanohano,
The Action Committee of the Puna Community Development Plan wishes
to voice its' support for the actions taken on the state and county level to
address the serious situation of the control of albizias. As you know, the
trees are a serious public safety issue in Puna. The county's work in
passing Bill 64, Ordinance 13-108, was a important step in addressing
this issue. The PCDP section 2.2.1(c) Goals states: "the spread of invasive
species through abandonment of previously cleared areas is reduced."
We, of course, recognize the costly endeavor of addressing the albizia
trees. We strongly support the efforts on the state level, specifically SB
2941 and HB 2521, to seek funding to combat albizias.
Sections of our highways that are lined with albizias pose a serious
hazard both for daily travel and in the event of an evacuation or
emergency situation. In this arena, we would like to draw attention to the
section of highway 132 from Pahoa to the Pohoiki turnoff. There have
been numerous incidents of trees and limbs falling, in some instances
hitting cars, creating an urgent safety issue. We recommend that the
county and state add this section of county highway 132 to their priority
list of roadways that need albizia trees cleared to a safe distance from the
road as expediently as possible. The PCDP sections 4.4., 4.4.1 (a, c)
4.4.2 (c) references county highway 132 and the need for safety, multi -
modal transportation and native vegetation.
Sincerely,
Patti Pinto
Chair of the PCDP Action Committee,