HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-02-21 Letter to Donovan M. Dela Cruz and Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran re HB 2124 Relating to Little Fire Ants (2)Harry Ki
vIaor
Juuf
Wil Okabe
Alcmagtng Dtrecter
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy kianaging Director
Offirr 0
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 to Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553
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February 21, 2018
Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Chair
Committee on Ways and eans
Hawaii State Capitol, Room 211
Honolulu, HI 96813
Senator Gilbert 5. C. Keith-Agaral , Vice -Chair
Committee on Ways and:leans
Hawaii State Capitol Room 211
Honolulu, HI 96813
Dear Chair Dela Cruz, Vice -Chair Keith-Agaran and Cor mittee Members:
SB 2124 Relating to Little Fire Ants
Hearing Date: 01/23/18 — 11:00 am; Conference Room 211
While would defer to others as to how precious dollars should be allocated, 1 strongly
endorse the investment of funds in combatting little fire ants (LFA), and therefore urge passage
of SB 2124.
Little fire ants are a real menace, capable of causing great pain in humans and blindness
in pets and horses, am told that the Hawaii Ant Lab helps with community groups whenever
there is a request for assistance, and my staff has expressed much appreciation for HAL's
research into control methods for LFA in Hawaii.
When it comes to combatting LFA, I am not trying to tilt the scales for one organization
versus another. 1 h ve supported HB 2046 which would fund the Department of Agriculture's
efforts in its fight against little fire ants, and 1 will speak in favor of any other bill on the subject.
My true hope is that this Legislature will earmark as many dollars as possible to defeat this
terrible species, and that multiple worthy efforts, which may all be deserving of funding, will not
be allowed to result in no action at all.
Please act in favor of combatting this horrible invader.
Respe tfull tted,
arry Kim
Mayor, County of Hawaii
('intv o! 1 awaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Emp