2020-02-05 Letter to Richard Creagan and Lynn DeCoite HB 2197 Relating to Agriculture.

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Mtv.os N•, Roy Takemoto • •• > '' Managing Director " Harry Kim ; .ti`:.'�;'�'�;*; Mayor - a:,- gym_—o.• �i•::;;:,;;:•��`. Barbara J.Kossow art oDeputy 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 5, 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 2197 Relating to Agriculture HB 1665, previously heard in this Committee, would outlaw glyphosate in the State of Hawaii. While I realize that perhaps I am being politically incorrect, it seems to me that such a decision should be based on solid science, and I think it is premature to pass an outright ban based on the science which is presently available. I want to thank the Chair of this Committee for introducing HB 2197. HB 2197 does an excellent job of describing the mixed scientific evidence that is on the table with respect to glyphosate, and would establish a Task Force to evaluate the situation and report back with findings and recommendations. Admittedly, there is a lot of momentum for immediate action. The health of our people is number one. The fact that there have been large jury awards on the mainland is another concern, and our future use of glyphosate needs to take into account all the risks and rewards that we are aware of. But I cannot agree that the product should be outlawed based on the evidence available to us at the present time. Thank you for your consideration. I hope you will support HB 2197 Res ectfully Submitted, ' � c Har K' ry MAYOR County of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.