2017-03-15 Letter to Mike Gabbard & Karl Rhoads re HB 904 HD 1 Rrelating to Invasive Species

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j'�•M .:v� ,� ',' . `. Wi101ube •'\ bwv , Managing Director Harry Kim Mayor Barbara J.Koslow \4 a. �,�';N'+►..- Deputy Managing Director (1tuuntu of giniutti`i (Office of the gita ar 25 Aupuni Street,Suite 2603 • Hilo Hawaii 96720 • (808)961-8211 • Fax(808)961.6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ace Keohokalole Hwy,Bldg.C • Kailua-Kona,Hawaii 96740 (B08)323-4444 • Fax(808)323-4440 March 15, 2017 Senator Mike Gabbard, Chair Committee on Agriculture & Environment Hawaii State Capitol Honolulu, HI 96813 Senator Karl Rhoads, Chair Committee on Water & Land Hawaii State Capitol Honolulu, HI 96813 Dear Chairs Gabbard, Rhoads, and Committee members: RE: HB 904 HD 1 Relating to Invasive Species I offer this testimony in support of HB 904, HD1, an innovative approach to improve our response to harmful invasive species. The Council of Mayors has identified invasive species as a top-priority that deserves all our attention. Even our best efforts are often inadequate to protect our islands from harmful pests, and limited resources make it imperative that we work together in pursuing solutions to what often seem intractable problems. For that reason, I would like to thank you for all the hard work this year's Legislature is devoting to help mitigate these problems. With the possible exception (so far) of parakeets, it seems that Hawaii County has suffered a disproportionate share of the damage caused by invasive species, including rapid ohia death, little fire ants, coqui frogs, coffee berry borer beetle, and probably others. But all our islands, and all our constituents, are at risk. My primary request to you would be "Please don't give up." As a county, we do not have the resources or expertise to fight these devastating invaders on our own. We need as much assistance from you as you can offer. County of Hawar`i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer-