HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-03-09 Letter to Mike Gabbard and Russell E. Ruderman HB 1861, HD1 Relating to Coffee Berry Borer
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 Keohokālole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i 96740
(808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440
County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
Roy Takemoto
Managing Director
Harry Kim
Mayor
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
March 9, 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: HB 1861, HD1 Relating to Coffee Berry Borer
Thank you for this opportunity to testify in support of HB 1861, HD1.
As you know, coffee is a major industry for Hawaiʻi 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 HB 1861, HD1. Including these expenditures in your budget recommendations,
separate from this bill, would also be tremendously valuable.
Respectfully Submitted,
Harry Kim
MAYOR