HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-02-26 Letter to Sylvia Luke and Ty J.K. Cullen re HB 474, HD 1 Relating to Rat Lungworm DiseaseHarry Kim
Alayor
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Wil Okabe
Managing Director
Barbara J. Kossow
Dcpuly Managing Director
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553
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February 26, 2018
Representative Sylvia Luke, Chair
Committee on Finance
Hawaii State Capitol, Room 308
Honolulu, H 96813
Representative Ty J.K. Cullen, Vice -Chair
Committee on Finance
Hawaii State Capitol, Room 308
Honolulu, H 96813
Dear Chair Luke, Vice -Chair Cullen and Com ittee Members:
R HB 474, HD 1 Relating to Rat Lungworm Disease
Hearing Date: 02/27/18 — 12:00 pm; House Conference Room 308
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 goals have been achieved, a
third worthy aim of the bill, clearly reflected in the amendments (although not specified in the
preamble) is better treatment for those who fall victim to this illness.
The Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy at the University of Hawaii at Hilo
established the Hawaii Island ratlungworm 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 Hawaii victims. Therefore, the funding of
local research is uniquely important.
1 leave to others whether requiring 1:1 matching funds is realistic, but in any case urge
you to support a generous appropriation to deal with this dreadful disease.
Respec full submitted,
Harry Ki
Mayor, County of Hawaii
County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.