HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-03-10 Letter to Mike Gabbard re HB 186 HD1, HB 481 HD1, HB 1301 HD 2, HB 1339 HD1 - Invasive Species �v or,.
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25 Aupuni Street,Suite 2603 • Hilo,Hawai`i 96720 • (808)961-8211 • Fax(808)961-6553
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March 10, 2017
Senator Mike Gabbard
Agriculture and Environment
Hawai'i State Capitol
Honolulu, HI 96813
Dear Chair Gabbard and Members:
RE: Invasive Species
HB 186 HDI Relating to Coffee Berry Borer Beetle
HB 481 HDI Relating to Invasive Species
HB 1301 HD2 Relating to Invasive Species (Liability)
HB 1339 HDI Relating to Invasive Species Program Administration
You have several bills on today's agenda dealing with invasive species, including
HB 186 HD1; HB 481 HD1; HB 1301 HD2; and HB 1339 HD1. Although I am reluctant
to single out one bill over another, and defer to your good judgment as to the merits of
each, I do want to urge that funding to fight the coffee berry borer beetle (HB186) and
little fire ants (HB481) should be approved if at all possible.
Beyond that, I primarily 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.
County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
Mike Gabbard
Agriculture and Environment
March 10, 2017
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 coffee berry borer beetle, little fire ants, coqui frogs, rapid ohia death
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,
Kt_Ilat,"\
arty Kim
Mayor
County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer