HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-02-04 Letter to Donna Mercado Kim, Michelle Kidani, Mike Gabbard, and Russell. SB 2737 Relating to Invasive Species ti ....vai
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` \ Managing Director
Harry Kim '"
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Mayor
•, ti cf'K►'P- Barbara J.Kossow
• Deputy Managing Director
County of Hawai`i
Office of the Mayor
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February 4, 2020
Senator Donna Mercado Kim, Chair
Senator Michelle N. Kidani, Vice Chair
Committee on Higher Education
Senator Mike Gabbard, Chair
Senator Russell E. Ruderman, Vice Chair
Committee on Agriculture and Environment
Hawaii State Legislature
Dear Chairs Kim and Gabbard, Vice-Chairs Kidani and Ruderman, and Committee members:
RE: SB 2737 Relating to Invasive Species
The little fire ant (LFA), 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 SB 2737.
The Hawaii Ant Lab 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•ectf Submitted,
Harry Ki
MAYOR
County of Hawai`i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.