I would like to start by thanking the Committee Chair, Senator Lisa Murkowski, and Ranking Member, Senator Maria Cantwell, for recognizing the importance of this issue for Hawaii and scheduling this field hearing.

Yes, I do think it's achievable.

Do you think that it would be helpful that federal agencies...formed a watershed protection council at the federal level?

How do we incentivize them to work with all of you to protect our watersheds?

I think that's a very important opportunity to re-envision how we can be a green community and a model moving forward.

I think that there are huge opportunities in Hawaii for the application of those funds.

Do you think this partnership should be made permanent because right now it is a pilot program?

the partnership with the Federal Government becomes even more important.

Are you talking about the ARRA?

In line with that comment we have huge infrastructure needs throughout our country to the tune of trillions. We need to address those.

this continual fire borrowing is very detrimental.

The cultural aspects of how the people of Hawaii feel about our environment are very unique.