HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-03-27 Letter to Jill Tokuda re HB 186, HD 1, SD 1 - Coffee Beetle
Wil Okabe
Managing Director
Harry Kim
Mayor
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
County of Hawai‘i
Office of the Mayor
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720 (808) 961-8211 Fax (808) 961-6553
KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i 96740
(808) 323-4444 Fax (808) 323-4440
Dear Chair Tokuda and Members:
Re: HB186, HD1, SD1 Coffee Beetle
Thank you for this opportunity to urge that funding to fight the coffee berry borer
beetle, HB186, HD1, SD1, be approved if at all possible. I do not think it is an
exaggeration to say that this pest threatens the entire coffee industry in Hawaii
County, and potentially the State.
Beyond that, I want to thank you for the focus you have put on the issue of invasive
species throughout the legislative 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.
Please act favorably on HB186, with a suitable appropriation.
Respectfully submitted,
Harry Kim
County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
Mayor
County of Hawaii
County of Hawai`i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.