HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-02-26 Letter to Brian T. Taniguchi re SB 2559, SD 1 Relating to Authority to Enter Private Property to Control Invasive SpeciesHarry Kim
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Wil Okabe
Managing Director
Barbara J. Kossow
Deptitv Managing Director
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553
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February 26, 2018
Senator Brian T. Taniguchi, Chair
Committee on Judiciary
Hawaii State Capitol, Room 016
Honolulu, HI 96813
Dear Chair Taniguchi and Committee Members:
Re: SB 2559, SD 1 Relating to Authority to Enter Private Prope y to Control
invasive Species when there is a Reasonable Suspicion that Invasive
Species are Present
Hearing Date: 02/27/18 — 9:30 am; Conference Room 016
Thank you for this opportunity to testify in support of the intent of SB 2559, SD 1.
The Council of Mayors has identified invasive species as a top -priority issue that
deserves your attention. 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.
The original SB 2559 would put the State and the counties in a better position to fight
against invasives. It would take a valuable tool and make it stronger, and we fully supported it.
As Department testimony pointed out, confirming the presence of an invasive species is far
more difficult than establishing "reasonable suspicion.
SB 2559, SD 1 retains the "reasonable suspicion" standard, and we think that is good.
The problem is that S 2559, Sialso would require a finding of "priority," which probably
means "invasive species and diseases that pose a high risk to public health and safety, the
environment, or agriculture." This would be a new bar that might or might not undermine the
benefits of this bill. is this new provision important enough to take the risk, or is it one step
forward and one step back?
We ask that the concept behind SB 2559 be approved, but preferably without imiting its
effect to "priority" species.
Respectfully sub i ted,
Harry Ki
Mayor, County of Hawal`.
County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.