COM 0596.000 1996-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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. G~ POSITION STATEMENT FUNDING FOR THE DETECTION AND PREVENTION OF ALIEN PEST SPECIES Recognizing that the Hawaiian Islands are among the most environmentally sensitive areas in the world, the federal, state and county governments have devoted serious time, attention, energy and funding to combat the proliferation of alien pest species in the State of Hawaii. The Maui County Council supports the continuation of these efforts by the Nineteenth Legislature by appropriating at least $1 million for new personnel and equipment. The economic impact of alien pest species in the State of Hawaii exceeds $400 million annually, yet the State spends only $25 million annually on prevention efforts. While budget concerns will certainly impact State funding of alien species detection and prevention programs, these costs pale in comparison to the price we would pay if our environment (and therefore industries that depend on environmental quality and integrity such as tourism and agriculture) is not preserved and protected. Alien pest species pose a major threat to Hawaii's unique and fragile ecosystems, thereby producing a negative economic impact on two of the State's major industries, tourism and agriculture. The State Department of Agriculture is charged with the task of inspecting domestic cargo, baggage and passengers arriving at all State airports and harbors to detect and intercept any incoming alien pest species. In 1994, despite the State Department of Agriculture's inspection of 13 million agricultural parcels and the interception of 131 alien insects and 183 illegal animals, 19 new insect species found their way into our environment. The Maui County Council urges the Legislature to provide adequate funding, for fiscal year 1997-1998, for the State Department of Agriculture to hire additional agriculture inspectors to be assigned to the inspection stations at our ports of entry. Additionally, technologically advanced inspection equipment, such as x-ray machines which detect organic materials, should be purchased and installed at the State Department of Agriculture's inspection stations at our ports of entry. chr:971egis:alien4: mnc