HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-01-26 Letter to Mike Gabbard re SB 2125 Coffee Berry BorerHarry Kim
Mayor
County of Hawai`i
Office of the Mayor
Wil Okabe
Managing Director
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
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, Hawaii 96740
(808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440
January 26, 2018
Senator Mike Gabbard, Chair
Committee on Agriculture and Environment
Hawai'i State Capitol
Honolulu, HI 96813
Dear Chair Gabbard and Committee members:
RE: SB 2125, pesticide subsidy program for the coffee berry borer
Public Hearing: 01-29-18 @ 1:15 pm — Conference Room 224
Thank you for this opportunity to testify in support of SB 2125.
As you know, coffee is a major industry for Hawaii Island, and I am informed that
the coffee berry borer continues to be a substantial threat to coffee's economic survival.
Any assistance the State can offer, including the pesticide subsidy that helps farmers
manage the cost of controlling this terrible pest, is much appreciated.
hope you will extend the pesticide subsidy program manager position through
June 30, 2022, as set forth in SB 2125.
Respectfully submitted,
County of Hawai`i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.