HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-03-13 Letter to Mike Gabbard re HB 2305, HD 1 Relating to Pesticide Subsidy Program for the Coffee Berry BorerHarry Kim
Mavor
11
Wil Okabe
iv/anagingDirecior
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
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
(808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440
March 13, 2018
Senator Mike Gabbard, Chair
Co mitten on Agriculture and Environment
Hawaii State Capitol, Room 224
Honolulu, HI 96813
Dear Chair Gabbard and Committee Members:
R • H 2305, HD 1 Relating to Pesticide Subsidy Prograrn for the Coffee
erry Borer
Hearing Date: 03-16-18 — 1:45 p Conference Room 224
Thank you for this oppo unity to testify in support of HB 2305, HD 1.
As you know, coffee is a major industry for Hawaii Island as well as other
counties, and lam informed that the coffee berry borer continues to be a substantial
threat to coffee's economic survival. Any assistance the State can offer, including the
pesticide subsidy that helps farmers manage the cost of controlling this terrible pest, is
much appreciated. Over the years, this program has provided a significant savings to
the coffee producers.
1 hope you will extend the pesticide subsidy srogram manager position through
June 30, 2022, as set forth in HB 2305, HD 1.
Res
ectfully submitted,
Harry Kim
Mayor, County of Hawaii
County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.