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Councilmember Yuki Lei Sugimura expressed her support for a proposed Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Amendment from Mayor Michael Victorino that would create a micro-grants program for axis deer mitigation.
The proposed budget amendment is scheduled to be heard by the Maui County Council this Friday, February 18th, and is agendized as Bill 46 (2022). “Through the work of the Maui Axis Deer Task Force and our many partners, we continue to see the immense damage caused by an overpopulation of axis deer. While the Task Force continues to work on long-term solutions, a microgrant program will provide much needed relief to our farmers, ranchers, and others right away,” shared Sugimura. On Tuesday, February 15th, the Task Force received updates on various work being done to address the increasing axis deer population and related negative impacts. Preliminary data from a recently completed Axis Deer Assessment for the area from Ulupalakua to Paia was included in these updates. The assessment estimates that there are 46,743 axis deer within this area spanning 147,483 acres. “As we continue to gather data, our short and long-term actions can be better focused and efficient,” added Sugimura. “A microgrant program will not only provide relief for those affected, but it will also help us gather more information through the grant reporting process.” The public has several options to provide testimony on Bill 46 (2022). Individuals may submit written testimony to [email protected], or they may provide oral testimony by joining the online meeting link at https://maui.bluejeans.com/295235670. The February 18th Council meeting is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Sugimura holds the Maui County Council seat for the Upcountry residency area.
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