RES 438 Draft 02 2004-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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the introduction or spread of invasive species and diseases in Hawai`i," and further directs the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Interior to implement "the establishment of a system of post-arrival quarantine protocols for all persons, baggage, cargo, containers, packing materials, and other items traveling or being shipped to Hawaii from domestic or foreign locations"; and WHEREAS, while current federal inspections protect the U.S. mainland from invasive species arriving from Hawaii, the Hawaiian Islands are not afforded the same protection from invasive species that arrive through visitor and cargo shipments to the State; and WHEREAS, the construction of the Invasive Species Interdiction Inspection Facility and complementary facilities at both the Hilo and Kona Airports, as requested by the State Department of Transportation, will be a gigantic step forward in increasing much needed protection against pests and diseases that arrive on the Big Island via air cargo; and WHEREAS, Hawaii continues to be particularly vulnerable to invasive alien species because of its position as an international transportation hub and its vulnerable native ecosystems; and WHEREAS, the mere introduction of even one new alien pest to Hawaii, such as the brown tree snake, the red imported fire ant, Africanized honey bees, or biting flies, could severely alter the economy and character of the Hawaiian Islands as we know them; and WHEREAS, it is imperative that Hawai`i's unique endemic species be preserved for the perpetuation of the Hawaiian culture and for the education of future generations. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAII ,that the Council hereby supports the "Hawai`i Invasive Species Prevention Act" which directs the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Interior to implement "the establishment of a system ofpost-arrival quarantine protocols for all persons, baggage, cargo, containers, packing materials, and other items traveling or being shipped to Hawaii from domestic or foreign locations," and urges the U.S. Congress to pass H.R. 3468; and BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that certified copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Honorable Daniel K. Inouye, U.S. Senator; the Honorable Daniel K. Akaka, U.S. Senator; the Honorable Neil Abercrombie, U.S. Representative; the Honorable Ed Case, U.S. Representative; the Honorable Bob Goodlatte, Agriculture Committee Chair, U.S. House of Representatives; the Honorable Collin Peterson, Agriculture Committee, U.S. House of Representatives; the Honorable Richard Pombo, U.S. Representative; the Honorable Nick Rahall, U.S. 2