HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-03-13 Letter to Richard Creagan re SB 776, SD 2 relating to Invasive Species Program Administration ,�Ya!
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25 Aupunt Street,Suite 2603 • Hilo,Hawaii 96720 • (808)961-821 I • Fax(808)961-6553
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March 13, 2017
Representative Richard P. Creagan
Committee on Agriculture
Hawai'i State Capitol
Honolulu, HI 96813
Dear Chair Creagan and Members:
RE: SB 776, SD 2 (restructuring)
Relating to Invasive Species Program Administration
I do not have a specific position on SB 776, but would like to thank you and your
committee for the focus you have put on invasive species this session.
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 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,
Harry Ki
Mayor
County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provides and Employer