English seeks more environmental work force funds

Senator hopes to keep program operating through fiscal 2002-03

The Maui News
Sunday, January 27, 2002

By MARK ADAMS
Staff Writer

HONOLULU — Maui state Sen. J. Kalani English has asked Gov. Ben Cayetano for a $3.2 million appropriation to keep the state Emergency Environmental Workforce operating through the end of the fiscal year June 30.

English has also introduced a bill in the state Senate that would keep the work force operating in fiscal 2002-03, with a companion bill in the House introduced by state Rep. Brian Schatz, who represents Makiki-Tantalus on Oahu.

The work force was created during a special session of the state Legislature last year to combat dengue fever and invasive species in Hawaii and provide employment opportunities in the wake of job losses that followed the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

The $1.5 million initially allocated is expected to expire at the beginning of March, but there is fear that if ongoing efforts to eradicate breeding grounds for the mosquito that carries dengue fever end anytime soon, the dengue outbreak could flare up again during the warm summer months.

Dr. Lorrin Pang, Maui District health officer for the state Department of Health, said Thursday that if there is a lag of several months before the work teams start up again, the mosquitoes might again proliferate.

English said Friday that he is trying to keep that from happening.

“I met with the governor yesterday and asked him to consider sending down a $3.2 million emergency appropriation,” English said, explaining that under the state Constitution, the emergency request has to originate with Cayetano. “His questions were very concise — how many people are working, what are the results — the difficulty will be in finding the money.”

There are about 200 people in the state who have been put to work through the EEWF, English said. About 90 are on Maui primarily battling the mosquitoes that carry dengue.

“It’s in the governor’s hands; I’ve laid out the best case that I can,” he said.

Cayetano press secretary Kim Murakawa said Friday that the governor has not made a decision on the request.

“Basically, it’s a lot of money, and the question is where do you find the money?” she said.

English said the positive effects the program has already had on the environment are amazing.

“Without a doubt, this program is accomplishing its goal. I want to see it continue as long as there is an environmental and health threat in the State of Hawaii,” he said.

Rep. Schatz said Friday that in addition to dengue, the workers are also targeting invasive species like miconia and coqui tree frogs while remaining employed at a difficult time.

“By all indications, this project has exceeded our expectations in all respects. . . . We recognize this program has a fiscal impact at a time when we’re battling to balance the state budget,” he said. “But we have to ask ourselves not only if we can afford to do it, but also whether we can afford not to do it.”

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