HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-03-06 Letter to Mike Gabbard re HB 2046, HD 1 Relating to Little Fire AntsHarry Kim
Mayor
&mufti of Ylitfurtill
Wil Okabe
Managing Director
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Nianaging Direc tor
Offirr of thealIar
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553
KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
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March 7, 2018
Senator Mike Gabbard, Chair
Committee on Agriculture and Environment
Hawaii State Capitol, Room 224
Honolulu, H 96813
Dear Chair Gabbard and Committee Members:
Re: HB 2046, HD 1 Relating to Little Fire Ants
Hearing Date: 03-09-18 – 1:30 pm; Conference Room 224
This testimony is in support of HB 2046, HD 1, but first !want to thank you for the time
and energy that you and your colleagues have devoted to invasive species in general, and to
little fire ants in particular. A year ago, the Council of Mayors identified invasive species as a
top priority that deserved everyone's attention. Our best efforts at the county level are often,
inadequate to protect our islands from harmful pests, and limited resources make it imperative
that the State, counties, Feds, and private sector work together in pursuing solutions to what
often seem intractable problems. This Legislature really stood up last year, and hopefully will do
even more this year.
With the possible exception (so far) of the parakeet problem, it seems that Hawaii
County has suffered a disproportionate share of the damage caused by invasive species,
including rapid ohia death, little fire ants, coqui frogs, coffee berry borer, and probably others.
However, all our islands, and all our constituents, are at risk. My primary request to you would
be "Please don't give up." As a county, we do not have the resources or expertise to fight these
devastating invaders on our own. We need as much assistance from the State as you can offer.
Particularly with respect to little fire ants, it sometimes seems that we have thrown in the
towel. This must not happen—it is a horrific species that causes great pain in humans and has
been reported to cause blindness in dogs, cats, pigs, and horses. We have to make the effort to
fight back, and HB 2046, HD 1 is a foot in the door, in a geographic area that may still be
salvageable. Please provide as much funding as you can manage, broaden the initiative if you
think it appropriate, and let's move forward.
White 1 would defer to others as to how precious dollars should be allocated, 1 strongly
endorse the investment of funds in combatting little fire ants, and therefore urge passage of HB
2046, HD 1.
Res ectfully sub ited„
Harry Kim (-
Mayor County of Ha ail
County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.