HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0873.001 2022-2024 From: Sage H.
Sent: Tuesday, June 25, 2024 3:16 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Bill 162 letter of support
Aloha Chair, Vice Chair, and Councilmembers,
I am writing in regards to the Bill 162 that would allocate $200,000 to the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB)
infestation.
Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles pose a threat to native plants, so keeping them at bay is necessary for the
protection of our native flora. CRB bore into palm trees, and the remaining damage can kill the tree or leave it
exposed to disease. CRB also affects oil palms, pandanus trees, and banana trees.
This bill would directly mitigate the impacts of the problem by funding the work of groups at the forefront of
keeping this threat at bay. For example, the money could be allocated to education, awareness, detection,
prevention, and treatment, such as that being done by the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Response that would
help fight the spread of these beetles.
The other youth commissioners and I are committed to native plant protection and restoration. We believe that
this bill is an opportunity to redirect the future.
The choice to make this investment now would likely prevent the CRB problem from growing into a
catastrophe, set an example for future invasive species problems, and create a better future for the youth of
Hawaii. czp
Sincerely, • --
Sage Huston
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