HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-03-11 Letter to Mike Gabbard and Russell E. Ruderman HB 1503, HD2 Relating to Agriculture (Agricultural Theft and Vandalism Pilot Project)
County of Hawai‘i
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County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
Wil Okabe
Managing Director
Harry Kim
Mayor
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
March 11, 2019
Senator Mike Gabbard
Senator Russell E. Ruderman
Committee on Agriculture and Environment
Dear Chair Gabbard, Vice Chair Ruderman, and Committee Members:
RE: HB 1503, HD2 Relating to Agriculture (Agricultural Theft and Vandalism Pilot Project)
Thank you for this opportunity to testify in support of HB 1503, HD2.
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, HD2, and include adequate funding in both the bill and in your budget request to WAM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Harry Kim
MAYOR