HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-02-22 Letter to Sylvia Luke re HB 186, HB 1006, HB 481, HB 904 -1-Mty os Wil Okabe
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February 22, 2017
Representative Sylvia Luke
Finance Committee
Hawai'i State Capitol
Honolulu, HI 96813
Dear Chair Luke and members:
RE: HB 186, HB 1006, HB 481, HB 904
You have a number of bills on today's agenda dealing with invasive species, including HB 186,
HB 1006, HB 481, HB 904, and others. I am reluctant to single out one bill over another. Rather, I will
defer to your good judgment as to the extent to which each approach should be funded, and simply
want to thank you for the attention that this issue is getting from you.
The Council of Mayors has identified invasive species as a top-priority that deserves all our
attention. Even our best efforts are often inadequate to protect our islands from harmful pests, and
limited resources make it imperative that we work together in pursuing solutions to what often seem
intractable problems.
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 beetle, and probably others. But all our islands,
and all our constituents, are at risk. My primary request to you would be "Please don't give up." 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 you as you can offer.
Respectfully submitted,
Harry K
Mayor
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