Resolution asking fore Full Funding of Invasive Species Inspections

[B Sager]

OC 2011-05 Full Funding of Invasive Species Inspections

Whereas, the O‘ahu County Democrats recognize that the introduction of alien species continues to be a serious threat to our public health, our native ecosystems, and our State's economy; and

Whereas, inadequate facilities and cuts in staff have severely limited our State's ability to intercept dangerous alien species at the locations where they are most likely to enter our State, namely our seaports and airports; and

Whereas, the cost of eradicating an invasive species once it has been introduced and taken hold in the State is far more expensive than paying for a front line offence led by well trained inspectors; and

Whereas, the Department of Agriculture's current Invasive Species Inspection staff continues to work diligently, protecting Hawai‘i from this threat even thought they are being asked to accomplish their goals with less than one fourth of their pre-20010 budget, and after having lost over one-third of their inspectors and nearly all of their administrative staff to layoffs and early retirement; and

Whereas, once established in Hawai‘i, dangerous alien species are often impossible to control since they have no natural predators; and

Whereas, preventing the introduction of dangerous species is vital and takes continuous around the clock effort; and

Whereas, preventing the introduction of dangerous species requires that our State provide adequate facilities for inspection on all Islands; and

Whereas, we must keep our guard up to prevent establishment of dangerous alien species in Hawai‘i; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That O‘ahu County Democrats recognize the serious nature of the alien species threat; and be it further

Resolved, That O‘ahu County Democrats support full State refunding of our current Invasive Species Prevention and Inspection programs; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to each O'ahu legislator in the State Legislature and the Honolulu City Council, to the Hawaii Governor and the Mayor of the City & County of Honolulu.