Editorials in The Maui News have floated the concept of an environmental work force as a way to jump-start the local economy while getting much-needed work done on troublesome invasive species. This is an excellent idea for a number of reasons.
Such a plan could put boots on the ground and paychecks in pockets in short order if managed through the University of Hawaii's Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit. New hires could be in the work force within two months of funds becoming available, if not sooner.
The Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit serves as the umbrella agency for the island-based invasive species committees and watershed partnerships. PCSU and the invasive species committees successfully managed the sudden swell in labor under the 2001 Emergency Environmental Workforce set up by the Legislature in the wake of 9/11.
It was understood by all involved that the positions were not permanent. Interestingly, while those funds provided a valuable short-term economic boost, the effects lasted much longer as skills acquired on those projects helped many workers secure more lasting work in the environmental sector. For example, half of the current Hana-based miconia-control crew worked on the emergency work force project. Similar results occurred elsewhere in the islands. The manager of the Kauai Invasive Species Committee got her start with the EEWF. In general, former EEWF staff has had exceptional longevity with existing programs.
Environmental projects have a real multiplier effect in terms of stimulating the local economy. This year, the five Watershed Partnerships of Maui Nui and the Maui Invasive Species Committee will pump an estimated $4.5 million dollars back into the state's economy.
Last year, MISC procured goods and services from over 120 different businesses, with 90 percent of those transactions coming from local stores or companies.
In addition to the stimulus effect of an environmental work force, putting resources into invasive species and watershed conservation work makes sound economic sense. Studies at the University of Hawaii have shown that dollars spent now to control the forest-destroying miconia could reduce future costs by an estimated $22 million to $40 million on Maui alone.
Other studies have documented the negative effect of coqui frogs on real estate values. Another scourge, the little fire ant, poses a major health and economic hazard and is currently wreaking havoc with agricultural producers on the island of Hawaii. Surveys are needed on all islands to ensure early detection and control before this stinging pest becomes established throughout the state.
Watershed partnerships on each island are working to keep the main threats of feral pigs, cattle, goats, sheep and deer along with invasive plants out of our native forests. Ecosystem benefits are estimated in the billions of dollars. It seems obvious there is no shortage of work that needs to be done to protect our most precious economic resource - the natural environment.
Ironically, while proposals to boost the environmental and state infrastructure work forces are surfacing, some environmental projects are facing up to 50 percent budget cuts as a result of the state's deteriorating economic situation. If state funds are not available to create an environmental work force, a coordinated state and county effort to seek federal funds from the Obama administration would be a wise investment of time and energy.
Teya Penniman is manager of the Maui Invasive Species Committee, an attorney and facilitator. She chairs the Maui Conservation Alliance.
