2020-02-18 Letter to Rosalyn H. Baker and Stanley Chang SB 2474, SD1 Relating to Little Fire Ants

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JMvv;os p,• Roy Takemoto cR• � Managing Director J i Harry Kim `•iN ��• Mayor • -!�_ ++�e_s�_, °<T ° Barbara J. Kossow �r�oe N►r!- 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 February 18, 2020 Senator Rosalyn H. Baker, Chair Senator Stanley Chang, Vice Chair Committee on Commerce, Consumber Protection and Health Dear Chair Baker, Vice Chair Chang, and Committee Members: RE: SB 2474, SD1 Relating to Little Fire Ants The little fire ant, to 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 on SB 2474, SD1. I do not have the expertise to judge the most effective way to treat this menace, but it seems reasonable to have the DOA in conjunction with the Hawai'i Ant Lab working together to identify best practices, and to make those best practices known to a wide audience. More broadly, whether you pass this bill or not, I ask that you please provide as much funding for an anti-LFA initiative as you can justify in your budget recommendations for the coming fiscal year. In that way, government efforts to control, and even eliminate, LFA from Hawaii can be maximized. The threat is great and warrants your much-appreciated attention. Respectfully Submitted, Harry Kim MAYOR County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.