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Harry Kim <br />A iaj'or <br />141. <br />(Iffice of flir <br />25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 <br />KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 <br />(808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 <br />Wil Okabe <br />Managing Director <br />Barbara J. Kossow <br />Deputy Alcmaging Director <br />April 2, 2018 <br />Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Chair <br />Committee on Ways and Means <br />Hawail State Capitot oom 211 <br />Honolulu„ HI 96813 <br />Senator Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran, Vice -Chair <br />Committee on Ways and Means <br />Hawail State Capitol, Room 211 <br />Honolulu, HI 96813 <br />Dear Chair Dela Cruz, Vice -Chair Keith-Agaran, and Committee Members: <br />Re: HB 2046, HD 1, SD 1 Relating to Little Fire Ants <br />Hearing Date: 04/04/2018 – 10:30 am; Conference Room 211 <br />This testimony is in support of HB 2046, HD 1 SD 1. <br />A year ago, the Council of Mayors identified invasive species as a top priority that <br />deserved everyone's attention. Our best efforts at the county level are often inadequate to <br />protect our islands from harmful pests, and limited resources make it imperative that the State, <br />counties, Feds, and private sector work together in pursuing solutions to what often seem <br />intractable problems. This Legislature really stood up last year, and hopefully will do even more <br />this year. <br />With the possible exception (so far) of the parakeet problem, it seems that Hawaii" <br />County has suffered a disproportionate share of the damage caused by invasive species, <br />including rapid ohia death, little fire ants, coqui frogs, coffee berry borer, and probably others. <br />But all our islands, and all our constituents, are at risk. My primary request to you would be <br />"Please don't give up." As a county, we do not have the resources or expertise to fight these <br />devastating invaders on our own. We need as much assistance from the State as you can offer. <br />Particularly with respect to little fire ants, it so etimes seems that we have thrown in the <br />towel. This must not happen—it is a horrific species that causes great pain in humans and has <br />been reported to cause blindness in dogs, cats, pigs, and horses. We have to make the effort to <br />fight back, and HB 2046 HD 1 SD 1 would be a big positive step, for both West Hawail and <br />statewide. Please provide as much funding as you can manage, broaden the initiative if you <br />think it appropriate, and let's move forward. <br />County of 1 la ail is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Eniployer, <br />