HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 1034.003 2004-2006
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
STATE OF HAWAII
STATE CAPITOL
HONOLULU, HAWAII 96813
October 2, 2006
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Ms. Constance R. Kiriu -c'-+
County Clerk -
County of Hawaii
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
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Dear Ms. Kiriu: °
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I recently received a copy of Resolution 438-06 (Draft 2), which was adopted by the County
Council of Hawaii on September 20, 2006.
The 2006 Legislature approved a total of $2,953,412 in general, federal, and airports/harbors
special funds to hire 58 additional inspection staff to combat the entry of invasive species to the
state. The specific breakdown is as follows:
• $2,230,412 in state general funds for 45 additional inspectors at state airports and harbors
and rapid response capability
• $430,000 in airports and harbors special funds for 11 additional inspectors
• $293,088 in federal funds for 2 additional inspectors and scientific equipment
The federal government employs an inspection staff of 450 to keep the mainland safe from goods
being shipped from Hawaii. In stark contrast, the Department of Agriculture currently employs
only 75 inspectors to protect Hawaii from mainland and foreign invasive species.
Recent experimental risk assessments at Kahului and Honolulu airports showed that the
Department of Agriculture detected only 1 out of 100 invasive species that should be detectable
with the strategic use of additional resources.
Controlling and eradicating invasive species after infestation is time-consuming and much more
costly than prevention. The potential harm to Hawaii ranges in the hundreds of millions of
dollars if species such as the red imported fire ant, brown tree snake, biting midges or other
invasive species are allowed into the state.
Comm. No.__LQIA 3
Ref. To. ¢ 200
Ref. Date
Constance R. Kiriu
October 2, 2006
Page Two
The support of the Hawaii County Council members is greatly appreciated as the efforts
continue to prevent access of invasive species at our ports of entry.
Best regards,
CLEFT TSUJI
State Representative, District