HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-01-27 Letter to Mike Gabbard and Russell E. Ruderman SB 2474, Relating to Little Fire Ants (2) +tv;oc N� Roy Takemoto
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County of Hawai i
Office of the Mayor
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January 27, 2020
Senator Mike Gabbard, Chair
Senator Russel! E. Ruderman, Vice Chair
Committee on Agriculture and Environment
Dear Chair Gabbard, Vice Chair Ruderman, and Committee Members:
RE: SB 2474, Relating to Little Fire Ants
The little fire ant, for those who have experienced it, is a horrific species. It
causes great pain in humans and has been reported to cause blindness in pets and
horses. It has proliferated so widely that some have given up on eradication, and may
even be ready to throw in the towel on control efforts. That is not acceptable. We must
fight back, and that is why I appreciate the opportunity to testify on SB 2474.
I do not have the expertise to judge the most effective way to treat this menace,
but if there is a scientific consensus that the Ant Lab approach is best, then I endorse
the specific provisions of SB 2474. More broadly, whether you pass this bill or not, I ask
that you please provide as much funding for an anti-LFA initiative as you can justify in
your budget recommendations for the coming fiscal year. In that way, government
efforts to control, and even eliminate, LFA from Hawaii can be maximized. The threat
is great and warrants your much-appreciated attention.
R spectfully Submitted,
r
Harry Kim
MAYOR
County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.