HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-02-12 Letter to Nicole E. Lowen and Tina Wildberger HB 561 Relating to Invasive SpeciesHarry Kim
Mayor
County of Hawai i
Office of the Mayor
Wil Okabe
Managing Director
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawai'i 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
February 12, 2019
Representative Nicole E. Lowen, Chair
Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection
Representative Tina Wildberger, Vice Chair
Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection
Dear Chair Lowen, Vice Chair Wildberger, and Committee Members:
RE: HB 561 Relating to Invasive Species
Thank you for this opportunity to testify in support of HB 561.
A year ago, the Council of Mayors identified invasive species as a top -priority issue that deserves your
attention. Even our best efforts are often inadequate to protect our islands from harmful pests, and limited
resources make it imperative that we work together in pursuing solutions to what often seem intractable
problems.
Creating a well -funded, rapid response mechanism to deal with invasives seems like an excellent way
to attack infestations as they are identified. Prompt action will almost always have the best chance for
success.
I hope you will approve HB 561.
Respectfully Submitted,
Harry Kim
MAYOR
IG
County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.