2017-03-27 Letter to Jill Tokuda re HB 186, HD 1, SD 1 - Coffee Beetle

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Wil Okabe Managing Director Harry Kim Mayor Barbara J. Kossow Deputy Managing Director County of Hawai‘i Office of the Mayor 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603  Hilo, Hawai‘i 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 Dear Chair Tokuda and Members: Re: HB186, HD1, SD1 Coffee Beetle Thank you for this opportunity to urge that funding to fight the coffee berry borer beetle, HB186, HD1, SD1, be approved if at all possible. I do not think it is an exaggeration to say that this pest threatens the entire coffee industry in Hawaii County, and potentially the State. Beyond that, I want to thank you for the focus you have put on the issue of invasive species throughout the legislative session. 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. 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 coffee berry borer beetle, little fire ants, coqui frogs, rapid ohia death, 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. Please act favorably on HB186, with a suitable appropriation. Respectfully submitted, Harry Kim County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.