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Harry Kim <br />Mayor <br />County of Hawaii <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, Hawaii 96740 <br />(808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 <br />February 11, 2019 <br />Representative Chris Lee, Chair <br />Representative Joy A. San Buenaventura, Vice Chair <br />Committee on Judiciary <br />Dear Chair Lee, Vice Chair San Buenaventura, and Committee Members: <br />RE: HB 1503, HD1 Relating to Agriculture (Agricultural Theft and Vandalism Pilot Project) <br />Thank you for this opportunity to testify in support of HB 1503, HD1. <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 about <br />his work. The preamble of this bill does a good job of explaining the vulnerabilities agriculture has to <br />theft and vandalism, and our news media has documented farmers who have gone out of business <br />because of their losses. <br />In order to continue the program, state funding is both desirable and appropriate. I hope you <br />will act favorably on HB 1503, HD1, with an early effective date. <br />Respectfully Submitted, <br />Harry Ki <br />MAYOR <br />County of Hawai`i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. <br />