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Harry Kim <br />Mayor <br />Couttfu.of�. n fl <br />Wil Okabe <br />Managing Director <br />Barbara J. Kossow <br />Deputy Managing Director <br />( <br />Wirt of ilp 4.11avor <br />25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawai'i 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 <br />KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i 96740 <br />(808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 <br />January 30, 2019 <br />Representative Richard P. Creagan, Chair <br />Committee on Agriculture <br />Hawaii State Capitol <br />Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 <br />Dear Chair Creagan and Committee Members: <br />Re: HB 1503 Relating to Agriculture (Agricultural Theft and Vandalism Pilot <br />Project) <br />Hearing Date: February 1, 2019 — 8:30 AM; House Conference Room 312 <br />Thank you for this opportunity to testify in support of HB 1503. <br />For about a year, our Prosecuting Attorney's office has had an investigator working on <br />agricultural crimes, and we have received positive comments from the agriculture community <br />about his work. The preamble of this bill does a good job of explaining the vulnerabilities <br />agriculture has to theft and vandalism, and our news media has documented farmers who have <br />gone out of business because of their losses. <br />In order to continue the program, state funding is both desirable and appropriate. I hope <br />you will act favorably on HB 1503. <br />Respectfully submitted, <br />Harry Kim <br />Mayor, County of Hawaii <br />County of Hawai`i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. <br />