HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-02-28 Letter to Donovan M. Dela Cruz and Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran SB 523, SD1 Relating to Biosecurity
County of Hawai‘i
Office of the Mayor
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720 (808) 961-8211 Fax (808) 961-6553
KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Hwy., Bldg C Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i 96740
(808) 323-4444 Fax (808) 323-4440
County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
Wil Okabe
Managing Director
Harry Kim
Mayor
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
February 28, 2019
Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Chair
Senator Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran, Vice Chair
Committee on Ways and Means
Dear Chair Dela Cruz, Vice Chair Keith-Agaran, and Committee Members:
RE: SB 523, SD1 Relating to Biosecurity
Thank you for this opportunity to testify in support of SB 523, SD1.
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 also would want to put in a plug for Section 7 of the bill, which earmarks increased funding for rapid
ohia death response. The initial shock of the discovery of Rapid Ohia Death (ROD) has passed, and therefore
the media has largely moved on. However, the devastation of ROD and the loss of ohia in Hawaiʻi should not
be ignored.
I hope you will approve SB 523, SD1.
Respectfully Submitted,
Harry Kim
MAYOR