HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-03-09 Letter to Mike Gabbard and Russell E. Ruderman HB 2532, HD1 Relating to Invaisve Species
County of Hawai‘i
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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 2532, HD1 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 Hawaiʻi, and with the possible exception (so far) of the parakeet problem, it
seems that Hawaiʻi 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, two-lined spittlebug, and probably others. 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 HB 2532, HD1 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 proposal for the State budget, and let’s move forward.
Respectfully Submitted,
Harry Kim
MAYOR