2018-02-12 Letter to Richard P. Creagan and John M. Mizuno re HB 1688 Relating to Rat Lungworm Disease

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Harry Kim /ay° r 0101infli ffirr of* 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 „4 Wil Okabe Alatiaging Director arbara J. Kossow Deputy Managing Director February 12, 2018 Representative Richard P. Creagan, Chair Committee on Agriculture Hawaii State Capitol, Roo 329 Honolulu, HI 96813 Representative John M, Mizuno, Char Committee on Health and Human Services Hawaii State Capitol, Room 329 Honolulu, HI 96813 Dear Chair Creagan and Mizuno, and Committee Members: Re: HB 1688 Relating to Rat Lungworm Disease Hearing Date: 02/13/18 — 9:00 am; House Conference Room 329 As you know, there are a number of bills advancing in this House that deal with the terrible condition called rat lungworm disease. HB 474, HB 1762, HB 2104, and HB 2506 mainly refer to "prevention and eradication," and all have had hearings in various committees. Each offers a slightly different approach to this dreaded illness, and I thank you now for the opportunity to testify in support of a fifth bill, funding for activities aimed at surveying, testing, and treating this malady, HB 1688. My concern is that these ultiple bills and different approaches may be competing for flmfted resources and wind up canceling each other out. I hope you will look to the advice of experts in healthcare and research, and the legislators who are most knowledgeable, and determine the one or ore approaches that offer the most pro ise. Then allot as much money as can be used wisely to deal with this scourge. Apparently the impact of this awful disease has been different in Hawaii than on the mainland, with unusually severe consequences reported for Hawaii. victims. Therefore, providing local funding, and not relying on mainland techniques, is uniquely warranted. Whatever path you take, it is clear that positive action is needed, and I trust that you will reach a consensus as to the way forward. R spectfully submitted, Harry Kim Mayor, County of Hawaii County ofllawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.