HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-02-05 Letter to Mike Gabbard, Russell Ruderman SB 2623 Relating to Coffee Berry Borer ••..
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; � ,i.;;,0 Roy Takemoto
Harry Kim '� ,
: • nt ' :.: Managing Director
Mayor -_ _
*E'of..-* Barbara J.Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
County of Hawai`i
Office of the Mayor
25 Aupuni Street,Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawai'i 96720 • (808)961-8211 • Fax(808)961-6553
KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy.,Bldg C • Kailua-Kona,Hawaii 96740
(808)323-4444 • Fax(808)323-4440
February 5, 2020
Senator Mike Gabbard, Chair
Senator Russell E. Ruderman, Vice Chair
Committee on Agriculture and Environment
Hawaii State Legislature
Dear Chair Gabbard, Vice-Chair Ruderman, and Committee members:
RE: SB 2623 Relating to Coffee Berry Borer
Thank you for this opportunity to testify in support of SB 2623.
As you know, coffee is a major industry for Hawaii Island, and I am informed that
the coffee berry borer continues to be a substantial threat to coffee's economic survival.
Any assistance the State can offer, including the pesticide subsidy that helps farmers
manage the cost of controlling this terrible pest, is much appreciated.
I hope you will extend the pesticide subsidy program, extend the program
manager position, and make appropriations for the program and position, all as set forth
in SB 2623. ttfully Submitted,
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Har
MAYOR
County of Hawai`i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.