HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-03-15 Letter to Clarence Nishihara & Mike Gabbard re HB 1359 HD 2 Relating to Invasive Species - +�o` Wil Okabe
r 0n!.. ' i?p'•• Managing Director
�i
Harry Kim � ••
Mayor -.von
Barbara J.Kossow
O• M•'�
? '' Deputy Managing Director
County>ti •
Countyr of!.ttttrat't
Tiffin of flit Minor
25 Aupum Street,Suite 2603 • Hilo,Hawaii 96720 • (808)961-8211 • Fax(808)961-6553
KONA 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy,Bldg C • Kailua-Kona,Hawaii 96740
(808)323-4444 • Fax(808)323-4440
March 15, 2017
Senator Clarence K Nishihara, Chair
Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental,
and Military Affairs and
Senator Mike Gabbard, Chair
Committee on Agriculture and Environment
Hawai'i State Capitol
Honolulu, HI 96813
Dear Chairs Nishihara, Gabbard and members:
RE: HB 1359 HD 2
Relating to Invasive Species
Thank you for this opportunity to testify in support of HB 1359, HD2.
The Council of Mayors has identified invasive species as a top-priority issue that deserves 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.
HB 1359 would make the counties a more valuable partner in the fight against invasives. As
the Mayor of Maui said in a prior hearing, it will give us a valuable tool to supplement the ongoing
efforts of State agencies and private organizations.
We ask that HB 1359 be approved, with a suitable effective date.
Respectfully submitted,-^'v
1v
Harry Ki
Mayor
County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer