HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-01-30 Letter to Representative Richard P. Creagan HB 1503 Relating to Agriculture (Agricultural Theft and Vandalism Pilot Project (2)Harry Kim
Mayor
Couttfu.of�. n fl
Wil Okabe
Managing Director
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
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25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawai'i 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553
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January 30, 2019
Representative Richard P. Creagan, Chair
Committee on Agriculture
Hawaii State Capitol
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Dear Chair Creagan and Committee Members:
Re: HB 1503 Relating to Agriculture (Agricultural Theft and Vandalism Pilot
Project)
Hearing Date: February 1, 2019 — 8:30 AM; House Conference Room 312
Thank you for this opportunity to testify in support of HB 1503.
For about a year, our Prosecuting Attorney's office has had an investigator working on
agricultural crimes, and we have received positive comments from the agriculture community
about his work. The preamble of this bill does a good job of explaining the vulnerabilities
agriculture has to theft and vandalism, and our news media has documented farmers who have
gone out of business because of their losses.
In order to continue the program, state funding is both desirable and appropriate. I hope
you will act favorably on HB 1503.
Respectfully submitted,
Harry Kim
Mayor, County of Hawaii
County of Hawai`i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.