HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-02-19 Letter to Sylvia Luke and Ty J.K. Cullen HB 1503, HD1 Relating to Agriculture (Agricultural Theft and Vandalism Pilot Project)Harry Kim
Mayor
County of Hawaii
Office of the Mayor
Wil Okabe
Managing Director
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
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February 19, 2019
Representative Sylvia Luke, Chair
Committee on Finance
Representative Ty J.K. Cullen, Vice Chair
Committee on Finance
Dear Chair Luke, Vice Chair Cullen, and Committee Members:
RE: HB 1503, HD1 Relating to Agriculture (Agricultural Theft and Vandalism Pilot Project)
Thank you for this opportunity to testify in support of HB 1503, HD1.
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, HD1, with a suitable effective date.
Re pectfully Submitted,
Harry Kim
MAYOR
County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.