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.o;01•51f„4 , Roy Takemoto <br /> �. "•:1:;•• Managing Director <br /> • <br /> Harry Kim ;+'�1F� <br /> Mayor • <br /> ' Barbara J. Kossow <br /> oi M► Deputy Managing Director <br /> County of Hawai i <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 • Fax(808)323-4440 <br /> February 7, 2020 <br /> Senator Mike Gabbard, Chair <br /> Senator Russell E. Ruderman, Vice Chair <br /> Committee on Agriculture and Environment <br /> Dear Chair Gabbard, Vice Chair Ruderman, and Committee Members: <br /> RE: SB 2282 Relating to Agriculture <br /> SB 2282 does not have a preamble, but its contents reflect the vulnerabilities agriculture has to <br /> theft and vandalism. Our news media has documented farmers who have gone out of business <br /> because of their losses, and the problem seems to get worse year by year. <br /> The Hawaii County Prosecuting Attorney's office has had an investigator working on <br /> agricultural crimes, and we have received positive comments from the agriculture community about <br /> his work. We therefore believe that a statewide program is warranted, based on the results achieved <br /> on the Big Island. As to whether a new program needs to be established within the Department of <br /> Agriculture, I defer to the wisdom of this Committee. Especially if the DOA does not welcome having <br /> such a new program, a more efficient and effective approach could be for the Department of <br /> Agriculture to contract with County prosecutors, or for this Legislature to fund county prosecutors <br /> directly. <br /> Whatever your decision, we support the idea of a statewide, state-funded, anti-theft program, <br /> and urge favorable consideration of SB 2282. <br /> Respectfully Submitted, <br /> Harry <br /> MAYOR <br /> County of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. <br />