What follows is a portion of Governor Benjamin Cayetano’s letter to then-Department of Land and Natural Resources Director Mike Wilson on October 8, 1998. Soon thereafter, the letter, drafted by Al Castro of the governor’s Hilo office, was retracted, with Cayetano telling Environment Hawai`i that he had not signed it, but that his signature had been placed on the letter by autopen.
It has been brought to my attention that many people on the Big Island, particularly in Hamakua, feel their concerns regarding subsistence hunting and land use decisions have been ignored by our administration. As we discussed with the hunters during our May 1998 field trip on the Big Island, I hereby direct that the following be accomplished immediately. Declassification of areas presently in NARS that are not suitable for NARS classification. [sic]
Additionally, pending a discussion with the Statewide Hunter’s Council on October 24, 1998, I order that the following items be put on hold:
1. The eradication of sheep on Mauna Kea.
2. The completion of the Pu`uwa`awa`a Nature Conservancy Agreement.
Pu`uwa`awa`a Ranch, which has existed over 100 years, has the distinction of having the largest concentration of endangered species on the Big Island. It’s evident that the continued existence of these species is a result of cattle — grazed and managed in the numbers and manner incorporated into the current ranching operation at Pu`uwa`awa`a. Ranch livestock being part of the Pu`uwa`awa`a environment surely indicates that cattle grazing is one of the most beneficial risk management tools available for overall forest resource management.
The eradication of sheep on Mauna Kea is scheduled in October. We are mandated by federal court to maintain a zero population of sheep in this specific area. Since the onset of this court order, about 20 years ago, we have twice appealed this decision unsuccessfully. However, we have obtained much data over the years that provides us with new and adequate information indicating the eradication of this particular species to a zero population does more harm than good. Just as important is the issue of fairness. I believe it is time that we go back to court to appeal and correct this situation.
We need to assure our constituents of our desire to provide a balance in how we plan the use of state lands. This balance is essential in order for Hawai`i’s people to maintain and preserve diverse cultural lifestyles. We can accomplish this through good communication between all parties involved, adhering to fair play, and encouraging all parties to work together through partnerships.
Volume 10, Number 4 October 1999
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