HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-02-07 Letter to Mike Gabbard and Russell Ruderman SB 3042 Relating to Invasive Species (2) OJMtv,os H.. Roy Takemoto
Managing Director
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County of Hawai i
Office of the Mayor
25 Aupuni Street,Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 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 7, 2020
Senator Mike Gabbard, Chair
Senator Russell E. Ruderman, Vice Chair
Committee on Agriculture and Environment
Dear Chair Gabbard, Vice Chair Ruderman, and Committee Members:
RE: SB 3042 Relating to Invasive Species
In the past three years, the Council of Mayors has identified invasive species as a top priority
that deserves everyone's attention. Our best efforts at the county level are often inadequate to
protect our islands from harmful pests, and limited resources make it imperative that the State,
counties, Feds, and private sector work together in pursuing solutions to what often seem intractable
problems. This Legislature has really stood up, and hopefully will do even more this year.
It can be discouraging to think of how many different invasive species are plaguing Hawaii and
with the possible exception (so far) of the parakeet problem, it seems that Hawaii County has
suffered a disproportionate share of the damage caused by invasive species, including rapid ohia
death, little fire ants, coqui frogs, coffee berry borer, miconia, and now the two-lined spittlebug. But
we cannot give up. Since, as a county, we do not have the resources or expertise to fight these
devastating invaders on our own, we need as much assistance from the State as you can offer.
While I would defer to others as to how precious dollars should be allocated, I strongly endorse
the investment of funds in combatting invasives, and therefore urge passage of SB 3042 in some
form. Please provide as much money as you can manage, broaden the initiative if you think it
appropriate, include positions and funding in your priorities for the State budget, and let's move
forward.
Res ectfully Submitted,
HarryKi
MAYOR
County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.