HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-04-02 Letter to Donovan M. Dela Cruz and Gilbert S. C. Keith-Agaran re HB 474, HD 1, SD 1 Relating to Rat Lungworm DiseaseHarry Kim
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Wil Okabe
Alanciging Director
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Alanaging Director
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553
KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg 0 • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
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April 2, 2018
Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Chair
Committee on Ways and Means
Hawaii State Capitol, Room 211
Honolulu, HI 96813
Senator Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran, Vice -Chair
Com 1ttee on Ways and Means
Hawail State Capitol, Room 211
Honolulu, HI 96813
Dear Chair Dela Cruz, Vice -Chair Keith-Agaran, and Committee Members:
Re: HB 474, HD 1, SD 1 Relating to Rat Lungworm Disease
Hearing Date: 04/04/2018 — 10:30 am; Conference Room 211
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 Hawail 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 Hawail victims. Therefore, the funding of
local research is uniquely important.
If UH -Hilo feels that the requirement of 1:1 matching funds is realistic, 1 urge you to
support a generous appropriation to deal with this dreadful disease.
Respectfully submitted,
Harry Kim
Mayor, County of Hawaii
County of Ha ai"i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer,