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Harry Kim <br />Mayor <br />Wil Okabe <br />Mawgrng Director <br />Barbara J. Kossow <br />Deputy Managing Director <br />Cauufv of (U(VU `i <br />(OEktCP of f4PAnVoi <br />25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 <br />KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokaloie Hwy, Bldg. C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 <br />(808)323-4444 • Fax(808)323-4440 <br />March 14, 2017 <br />Representative Chris Lee, Chair <br />Committee on Energy & Environmental <br />Protection <br />Hawai'i State Capitol <br />Honolulu, HI 96813 <br />Representative Richard P. Creagan, Chair <br />Committee on Agriculture <br />Hawai'i State Capitol <br />Honolulu, HI 96813 <br />Dear Chairs Lee, Creagan, and members: <br />RE: SB 1239 SD 1 <br />Relating to Rapid Ohia Death <br />Thank you for this opportunity to testify in strong support of SB 1239, SDI. <br />The way in which the ohia forests of the Big Island have been decimated cannot <br />be overstated, and it is difficult to comprehend if not seen in person. It seems that one <br />day there is a forest that people take for granted and assume will exist for millennia, and <br />the next day there are barren trees comparable to a severe northern winter. Then the <br />realization sets in that those trees will not regenerate in the spring, or ever again. It is a <br />very sad situation. <br />Whatever funding the Legislature chooses to provide in SB 1239, SDI will be a <br />small price to pay to save what remains of this vital natural resource. <br />;E;7 <br />tted, <br />11 <br />Mayor <br />County of Hawai i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer <br />