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Harry Kim <br />Mayor <br />County of Hawai`i <br />Office of the Mayor <br />Wil Okabe <br />Managing Director <br />Barbara J. Kossow <br />Deputy Managing Director <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, Hawai'i 96740 <br />(808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 <br />February 8, 2019 <br />Senator Mike Gabbard, Chair <br />Committee on Agriculture and Environment <br />Senator Kaiali`i Kahele, Chair <br />Committee on Water and Land <br />Dear Chair Gabbard, Chair Kahele, and Committee Members: <br />RE: SB 871 Relating to Invasive Species <br />In the past two years, the Council of Mayors has identified invasive species as a top priority that <br />deserved everyone's attention. Our best efforts at the county level are often inadequate to protect our islands <br />from harmful pests, and limited resources make it imperative that the State, counties, Feds, and private sector <br />work together in pursuing solutions to what often seem intractable problems. This Legislature really stood up, <br />and hopefully will do even more this year. <br />With the possible exception (so far) of the parakeet problem, it seems that Hawaii County has suffered <br />a disproportionate share of the damage caused by invasive species, including rapid ohia death, little fire ants, <br />coqui frogs, coffee berry borer, and probably others. But all our islands, and all our constituents, are at risk. <br />My primary request to you would be "Please don't give up." As a county, we do not have the resources or <br />expertise to fight these devastating invaders on our own. We need as much assistance from the State as you <br />can offer. <br />While I would defer to others as to how precious dollars should be allocated, I strongly endorse the <br />investment of funds in combatting invasives, and therefore urge passage of SB 871 in some form. Please <br />provide as much funding as you can manage, broaden the initiative if you think it appropriate, and let's move <br />forward. <br />Respectfully Submitted, <br />arty Ki <br />MAYOR <br />County of Hawai`i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. <br />