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Harry Kim <br />Mayor <br />County of Hawai i <br />Office of the Mayor <br />Wil Okabe <br />Managing Director <br />Barbara J. Kossow <br />Deputy Managing Director <br />25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawai'i 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 <br />KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 <br />(808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 <br />February 12, 2019 <br />Representative Nicole E. Lowen, Chair <br />Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection <br />Representative Tina Wildberger, Vice Chair <br />Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection <br />Dear Chair Lowen, Vice Chair Wildberger, and Committee Members: <br />RE: HB 561 Relating to Invasive Species <br />Thank you for this opportunity to testify in support of HB 561. <br />A year ago, the Council of Mayors identified invasive species as a top -priority issue that deserves your <br />attention. Even our best efforts are often inadequate to protect our islands from harmful pests, and limited <br />resources make it imperative that we work together in pursuing solutions to what often seem intractable <br />problems. <br />Creating a well -funded, rapid response mechanism to deal with invasives seems like an excellent way <br />to attack infestations as they are identified. Prompt action will almost always have the best chance for <br />success. <br />I hope you will approve HB 561. <br />Respectfully Submitted, <br />Harry Kim <br />MAYOR <br />IG <br />County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. <br />