Big Island of Hawaii to Ban Single-Use Plastic Bags on January 17, 2014

Hawaii County (Big Island of Hawaii) has announced that their ban on single-use plastic bags will begin on January 17, 2014.  The Hawaii County Department of Environmental Management, which is overseeing the transition, is not expecting any major challenges, and have noted that many customers have already begun using their reusable bags at stores. Director of the HCDEM, Bobby Jean Leithead Todd, stated, "People adjust, and we don't anticipate any major problems.  We've had tremendous cooperation with the public and the stores."  Plastic bags will still be allowed for certain bulk items like fish, nuts, meats, grains, fresh produce, garments and prescription medications.

Maui County and Kauai County are already not allowing the use of these types of plastic bags. Honolulu County's ban will go into effect on July 1, 2015.  Director of the Hawaii chapter of the Sierra Club, Robert Harris, commented, "From a marine perspective it's a tremendous victory. On Maui, in particular, the plastic bag ban has been incredibly successful. I think people in Hawaii care greatly about the environment."

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 1-6-2014, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Principal Broker, REALTOR®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
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Jackson Chameleon Found on Kauai

A 7 inch long, not including the tail, male Jackson chameleon was found on the island Kauai, causing concern from state and county officials. While the Jackson chameleon can be found on the island of Oahu, they are prohibited from being on the neighbor islands. The chameleon poses a threat to native insects and snails and may significantly damage the native ecosystem if remained unchecked. To report a Jackson Chameleon on Kauai, goto www.reportapest.org or call (808) 643-7378.

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 5-26-2013, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Broker-in-Charge, Realtor®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
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Maui Real Estate – County to Spend $37,500 to Hunt Axis Deer

Maui County has announced that they will spend $37,500 to support the Maui Deer Axis Harvesting Cooperative to hunt deer on the island.  It is estimated that there are as many as 60,000 axis deer on Maui and farmers and ranchers have been protesting the damage that the deer are causing to their crops and fields.  Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa stated, ”These deer are a menace to our farmlands and ranches and cause about a million dollars in damage to crops and property every year. The formation of the MADHC is our first step towards controlling this invasive species and turning a pest into a resource.”

The hope is to perhaps create a venison industry with the meat harvested as well as sell the hides and other parts of the deer.  Hunters will be trained through a certified National Rifle Association program.  For Maui property owners wishing to find out more information about this program, please contact Michael Tavares at mauiaxisdeer@gmail.com or at 808.269.4825

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 10-4-2012, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Broker-in-Charge, Realtor®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
www.myhawaiihomesearch.com
www.myhawaiicondo.com
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Large Fine for Illegal Transportation of Animals Between Islands

Jeffrey Scott Grundhauser has been fined $15,000, given one year probation and ordered to do 100 hours of community service for transporting axis deer and mouflon rams between Maui to the Big Island of Hawaii.  Federal Judge Richard L. Puglisi, who oversaw the case, stated that Grundauser had violated the Lacey Act, which is a federal law preventing hunters from poaching game from one state and selling the bounty in another.  However, in recent years the Lacey Act has been used to prevent alien animals from entering another native ecosystems.  Grundhauser wanted to import deer to Maui for hunting purposes.

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 10-2-2012, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Broker-in-Charge, Realtor®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
www.myhawaiihomesearch.com
www.myhawaiicondo.com
www.myhawaiidreamhome.com

Maui Real Estate – Coral Reefs to Be Restored on West Maui

Under the West Maui Ridge to Reef Initiative, state of Hawaii and federal government officials have agreed to work together to restore the coal reefs along Maui’s western shore. The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers will provide $2.25 million in funding while the state of Hawaii will contribute another $750,000. The Chairman for the Board of Land and Natural Resources, William J. Aila Jr., stated, “The islands and reefs are connected; what we do on land affects the reef. Healthy coral reefs are vital to our island lifestyle, economy and a thriving Native Hawaiian culture.”

Lt. Col. Thomas D. Asbery of the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers added, “Through its support of the West Maui Ridge to Reef Initiative, the corps is continuing its commitment to improving the stewardship and sustainability of Hawaii’s watersheds and nearshore habitats.”

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 9-9-2012, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Broker-in-Charge, Realtor®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
www.myhawaiihomesearch.com
www.myhawaiicondo.com
www.myhawaiidreamhome.com