HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-01-29 Letter to Richard P. Creagan and Lynn DeCoite HB 1849, Relating to Invasive Species (2) 'vl OF 0,4. Roy Takemoto
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Harry Kim ;.i•f\`yt„ ,f1;••;
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County of Hawaii
Office of the Mayor
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January 29, 2020
Representative Richard P. Creagan, Chair
Representative Lynn DeCoite, Vice Chair
Committee on Agricluture
Dear Chair Creagan, Vice Chair De Coite, and Committee Members:
RE: HB 1849, Relating to Invasive Species
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 in support of HB 1849.
The Hawaii Ant Lab of West Hawaii is just one tool at our disposal, but it is my
understanding that it has done very good work in spite of limited staff. Adding an
extension agent is warranted and would be tremendously valuable.
More broadly, I ask that you please provide as much funding for the State's anti-
LFA initiatives as you can justify in your budget recommendations for the coming fiscal
year. In that way, government efforts to control LFA, and even eliminate them from
Hawaii, can be maximized. The threat is great and warrants your much-appreciated
attention. .
Res ctfully Submitted,
Harry Kim
MAYOR
County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.