HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-02-21 Letter to Donovan M. Dela Cruz and Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran SB 3042 Relating to Invasive Species 14 cs.....• Roy Takemoto
' Managing Director
Harry Kim ' " f
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Barbara J. Kossow
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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
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February 21, 2020
Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Chair
Senator Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran, Vice Chair
Committee on Ways and Means
Dear Chair Dela Cruz, Vice Chair Keith-Agaran, 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. And 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,
Harry Kim'
MAYOR
County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.