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O;NSv;os„� Roy Takemoto <br /> •• 7�' Managing Director <br /> Harry Kim +, \yt,2,_—\ :+' <br /> .1fa�'or � �'_ <br /> •ir ,,; eso:• Barbara J. Kossow <br /> �r�•of•N'. Deputy Managing Director <br /> County of Hawaii <br /> Office of the Mayor <br /> 25 Aupuni Street,Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808)961-8211 • Fax(808)961-6553 <br /> KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i 96740 <br /> (808)323-4444 • Fax(808)323-4440 <br /> February 10, 2020 <br /> Representative Nicole E. Lowen, Chair <br /> Representative Tina Wildberger, Vice Chair <br /> Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection <br /> Dear Chair Lowen, Vice Chair Wildberger, and Committee Members: <br /> RE: HB 1854 Relating to Little Fire Ants <br /> The little fire ant (LFA), for those who have experienced it, is a horrific species. It <br /> causes great pain in humans and has been reported to cause blindness in pets and <br /> horses. It has proliferated so widely that some have given up on eradication and may <br /> even be ready to throw in the towel on control efforts. That is not acceptable. We must <br /> fight back, and that is why I appreciate the opportunity to testify on HB 1854. <br /> I do not have the expertise to judge the most effective way to treat this menace, <br /> but if there is a scientific consensus that the Ant Lab approach is best, then I endorse <br /> the specific provisions of HB 1854. More broadly, whether you pass this bill or not, I ask <br /> that you please provide as much funding for an anti-LFA initiative as you can justify in <br /> your budget recommendations for the coming fiscal year. In that way, government <br /> efforts to control, and even eliminate, LFA from Hawaii can be maximized. The threat <br /> is great and warrants your much-appreciated attention. <br /> Respectfully Submitted, <br /> Harry Kim <br /> MAYOR <br /> County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. <br />