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Harry Kim <br />Mayor <br />Roy Takemoto <br />Managing Director <br />Barbara J. Kossow <br />Deputy Managing Director <br />County of Hawaii <br />Office of the Mayor <br />25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 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 9 Fax(808)323-4440 <br />February 3, 2020 <br />Representative Ryan I. Yamane, Chair <br />Representative Chris Todd, Vice Chair <br />Committee on Water, Land, & Hawaiian Affairs <br />Hawai'i State Legislature <br />Dear Chair Yamane, Vice -Chair Todd, and Committee members: <br />RE: HB 2015 Relating to Invasive Species <br />HB 2015 is a valuable bill, as the control of this invasive species is very <br />important, not only to the environment on the upper slopes of Mauna kea, but also to <br />prevent gorse's spread to the lower slopes during rain events. <br />I would suggest that the development of a pilot project include consultation with <br />the Big Island and Hawaii Invasive Species Councils, DLNR, HDOA, Natural Resource <br />Conservation Service and University of Hawaii specialists, to provide input and <br />guidance to avoid unintended consequences of further spreading the plant, plant parts, <br />or seeds during removal and repurposing of the gorse. I would also suggest that the <br />Hawai'i County Game Management Advisory Commission be invited to consult, since <br />that Commission has long expressed concern about the spread of gorse and the fire <br />hazard it represents. <br />Respectfully Submitted, <br />o � <br />Harry KirrrO <br />MAYOR <br />County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. <br />