HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-02-06 Letter to John M. Mizuno re HB 2104 Relating to Rat Lungworm DiseaseHarry Kim
Mayor
Cannfv of Painan
Wil Okabe
Managing Director
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
Offirt of file Augur
25 Aupuni Street„ Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553
KONA 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy„ Bldg C • Kallua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
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February 6, 2018
Representative John M. Mizuno, Chair
Committee on Health & Human Services
Hawai'i State Capitol, Room 329
Honolulu, HI 96813
Dear Chair Mizuno and Committee Members:
Re: HB 2104 Relating to Rat Lungworm Disease
Hearing Date: 02/08/18 — 9:00 am; Conference Room 329
Thank you for this opportunity to testify in support of funding for activities aimed
at the prevention and eradication of rat lungworm disease. Until those worthy goals
have been achieved, a third aim could also be better treatment for those who fall victim
to this illness.
The Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy at the University of Hawai'i at Hilo
established the Hawai'i Island rat lungworm disease working group. It has been
conducting research and educational outreach on the disease for the past four years,
and it is my understanding that it has been doing very valuable work.
Apparently the impact of this disease has been different in Hawaii than on the
mainland, with unusually severe consequences reported for Hawai'i victims. Therefore,
the funding of local research is uniquely important.
Please support HB 2104.
Respectfully submitted,
arty Ki
Mayor, County of Hawaii
County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer,