2020-01-31 Letter to Richard Creagan and Lynn DeCoite RE: HB 2532 Relating to Invasive Species

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Harry Kim Mayor Roy Takemoto Managing Director Barbara 3. Kossow Deputy Managing Director County of Hawaii Office of the Mayor 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, Hawai'i 96740 (808)323-4444 • Fax(808)323-4440 January 31, 2020 Representative Richard P. Creagan, Chair Representative Lynn DeCoite, Vice Chair Committee on Agriculture Hawaii State Legislature Dear Chair Creagan, Vice Chair DeCoite, and Committee Members: RE: HB 2532, Relating to Invasive Species In the past three years, the Council of Mayors has identified invasive species as a top priority that deserves everyone's attention. Our best efforts at the county level are often inadequate to protect our islands from harmful pests, and limited resources make it imperative that the State, counties, Feds, and private sector work together in pursuing solutions to what often seem intractable problems. This Legislature has really stood up, and hopefully will do even more this year. It can be discouraging to think of how many different invasive species are plaguing Hawaii and with the possible exception (so far) of the parakeet problem, it seems that Hawaii County has suffered a disproportionate share of the damage caused by invasive species, including rapid ohia death, little fire ants, coqui frogs, coffee berry borer, miconia, spittlebug, and probably others. But we cannot give up. And since, as a county, we do not have the resources or expertise to fight these devastating invaders on our own, we need as much assistance from the State as you can offer. While I would defer to others as to how precious dollars should be allocated, I strongly endorse the investment of funds in combatting invasives, and therefore urge passage of HB 2532 in some form. Please provide as much money as you can manage, broaden the initiative if you think it appropriate, include positions and funding in your priorities for the State budget, and let's move forward. Respectfully Submitted, arry Kim9l MAYOR County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.