2020-02-04 Letter to Donna Mercado Kim, Michelle Kidani, Mike Gabbard, and Russell. SB 2737 Relating to Invasive Species

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ti ....vai tiRoy Takemoto ` \ Managing Director Harry Kim '" • Mayor •, ti cf'K►'P- Barbara J.Kossow • Deputy Managing Director County of Hawai`i Office of the Mayor 25 Aupuni Street,Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808)961-8211 • Fax(808)961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy.,Bldg C • Kailua-Kona,Hawaii 96740 (808)323-4444 • Fax(808)323-4440 February 4, 2020 Senator Donna Mercado Kim, Chair Senator Michelle N. Kidani, Vice Chair Committee on Higher Education Senator Mike Gabbard, Chair Senator Russell E. Ruderman, Vice Chair Committee on Agriculture and Environment Hawaii State Legislature Dear Chairs Kim and Gabbard, Vice-Chairs Kidani and Ruderman, and Committee members: RE: SB 2737 Relating to Invasive Species The little fire ant (LFA), for those who have experienced it, is a horrific species. It causes great pain in humans and has been reported to cause blindness in pets and horses. It has proliferated so widely that some have given up on eradication, and may even be ready to throw in the towel on control efforts. That is not acceptable. We must fight back, and that is why I appreciate the opportunity to testify in support of SB 2737. The Hawaii Ant Lab West Hawaii is just one tool at our disposal, but it is my understanding that it has done very good work in spite of limited staff. Adding an extension agent is warranted and would be tremendously valuable. More broadly, I ask that you please provide as much funding for the State's anti-LFA initiatives as you can justify in your budget recommendations for the coming fiscal year. In that way, government efforts to control LFA, and even eliminate them from Hawaii, can be maximized. The threat is great and warrants your much-appreciated attention. Res•ectf Submitted, Harry Ki MAYOR County of Hawai`i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.