2020-01-29 Letter to Richard P. Creagan and Lynn DeCoite HB 1849, Relating to Invasive Species (2)

Home

'vl OF 0,4. Roy Takemoto .-.0.0.1".'.' 7� Managing Director • -~n y�,I lly• •s\Sj Harry Kim ;.i•f\`yt„ ,f1;••; •,Manor '�_c_ ____, i•°:- LT-4.•:• J. Kossow r4TE of.'1'' Deputy Managing Director County of Hawaii Office of the Mayor 25 Aupuni Street,Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808)961-8211 • Fax(808)961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i 96740 (808)323-4444 • Fax(808)323-4440 January 29, 2020 Representative Richard P. Creagan, Chair Representative Lynn DeCoite, Vice Chair Committee on Agricluture Dear Chair Creagan, Vice Chair De Coite, and Committee Members: RE: HB 1849, Relating to Invasive Species The little fire ant, for those who have experienced it, is a horrific species. It causes great pain in humans and has been reported to cause blindness in pets and horses. It has proliferated so widely that some have given up on eradication, and may even be ready to throw in the towel on control efforts. That is not acceptable. We must fight back, and that is why I appreciate the opportunity to testify in support of HB 1849. The Hawaii Ant Lab of West Hawaii is just one tool at our disposal, but it is my understanding that it has done very good work in spite of limited staff. Adding an extension agent is warranted and would be tremendously valuable. More broadly, I ask that you please provide as much funding for the State's anti- LFA initiatives as you can justify in your budget recommendations for the coming fiscal year. In that way, government efforts to control LFA, and even eliminate them from Hawaii, can be maximized. The threat is great and warrants your much-appreciated attention. . Res ctfully Submitted, Harry Kim MAYOR County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.