2017-03-16 Letter to Kaialii Kahele and Mike Gabbard re HB HB 1006, HD1 relating to Invasive Species

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Harry Kim Mayor Wil Okabe Managing Director Barbara I Kossow Deputy Managing Director AT II %:J/0UUfV of ("aival"i (Offi rr of for qvr 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, Hawaii 96740 (808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 March 16, 2017 Senator Kaiali'i Kahele, Chair Committee on Higher Education Hawai'i State Capitol Honolulu, HI 96813 Senator Mike Gabbard, Chair Committee on Agriculture and Environment Hawai'i State Capitol Honolulu, HI 96813 Dear Chairs Kahele and Gabbard, and Members: RE: HB 1006, HD 1 Relating to Invasive Species This testimony is in support of HB 1006, HD1, but first I want to thank you for the time and energy that you and your fellow legislators are devoting to invasive species in general, and to little fire ants in particular. The Council of Mayors identified invasive species as a top -priority that deserves everyone's attention. Our best efforts at the county level are often inadequate to protect our islands from harmful pests, and limited resources make it imperative that the State, counties, Feds, and private sector work together in pursuing solutions to what often seem intractable problems. With the possible exception (so far) of the parakeet problem, 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. Particularly with respect to little fire ants, it sometimes seems that we have thrown in the towel. This must not happen—it is a horrific species that causes great pain County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.