HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-03-29 Letter to Jill Tokuda re HB 904 HD 1 SD 1, HB 1006 HD 1 SD 1 & HB 1339 HD 1 SD 1 relating to Invasive Species (rapid response, little fire ants, restructuring) • o '•
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Barbara J.Kossow
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March 29, 2017
Senator Jill N. Tokuda, Chair
Committee on Ways and Means
Hawaii State Capitol
Honolulu, HI 96813
Dear Chair Tokuda and Committee Members:
RE: HB 904, HD 1, SD 1 — Relating to Invasive Species (rapid response)
HB 1006, HD 1, SD 1 — Relating to Invasive Species (little fire ants)
HB 1339, HD 1, SD 1 — Relating to Invasive Species (restructuring)
You have several bills on today's agenda dealing with invasive species, including HB 904,
HD1, SD1; HB1006, HD1, SD1; HB1339, HD1, SD1; and HB655, HD1, SD1. Although I am reluctant
to single out one bill over another, and prefer to defer to your good judgment as to the merits of each,
I do want to urge that funding to fight little fire ants (HB1006) be approved if at all possible.
Beyond that, I primarily want to thank you for the focus you have put on this issue this session.
The Council of Mayors has identified invasive species as a top-priority that deserves the attention of
all of us. 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.
Res cffully submitted,
arty Kim
Mayor
County of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.