HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-03-23 Letter to Nicole Lowen re Hawaiian Reforestation Project's request for a Grant-in-Aid --Mt77" p '
cP�: Wil Okabe
" �,�. Managing Director
Harry Kim
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Barbara J.Kossow
: +,? e Deputy Managing Director
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25 Aupuni Street,Suite 2603 • Hilo,Hawaii 96720 • (808)961-8211 • Fax(808)961-6553
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March 23, 2017
Honorable Nicole Lowen
Representative
Hawaii State House of Representatives
Honolulu, Hawai'i 96813
Dear Representative Lowen,
The County of Hawaii is pleased to offer strong support for the Hawaiian Reforestation Project's
request for a Grant-in-Aid.
For several centuries the slopes of Mauna Kea were neglected and used as a resource for mankind with
little or no thought to maintaining the natural resources.The mountain's once densely forested slopes
were denuded through the indiscriminate taking of sandalwood, ohia, koa and mamane. Domesticated
and feral cattle,sheep,goats and mouflon grazed much of what was left of the native plants, and the
rats and mongoose ate the seeds and stole the eggs of the native bird species.
A sad history, but today great strides are being taken to fulfill a vision to reforest Mauna Kea and
provide a safe habitat for the native birds including the Palila.The Hawaiian Reforestation Project is a
multi-agency initiative led by the Division of Forestry and Wildlife and the Pacific Cooperative Studies
Unit.Volunteers from across the state connect with the land and participate in restoring the forest by
lending a hand in planting,weeding,watering,while learning about the important role that the forest
serves in providing habitat for a wide range of birds and insects,as well as its role in protecting the soil
from storm run-off and replenishing the island's watersheds.
Your consideration and support for the Hawaiian Reforestation Project's request for financial support is
most appreciated.
Sincerely,
Harry im
Mayor
Cc: Andy Levin
County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.