DNR = Did Not Respond
Question: If elected will you affirmatively work for assignment and emergency funding of an entomologist to Kona? If “yes”, what do you commit to do?
US SENATE
Ed Case
Mazie Hirono…………………………………YES
Linda LingleOTHER
Comments
Hirono:
I have worked to secure funding for research on unique pests that pose threats to our Hawaii crops-particularly on the Big Island. In the US Senate, I will fight to secure funding to expand this vital work.
Lingle:
As a U.S. Senator, just as I did as Governor, I will support our state and federal agencies in their efforts to address invasive species in Hawaii. Collaboration between government agencies, research institutions, and the industry is needed to contain thecoffee berry borer (CBB) and implement the best control methods to minimize the damage it is doing. I would work with our congressional delegation to educate the members of the Senate and House about the very real threat of the CBB to Americasonly coffee-growing State, and seek support to target federal resources on a control and eradication program, including assignment of an entomologist to support the entire statewide industry.
US REPRESENTATIVE, District 2
DNR Matthew DiGeronimo
Tulsi Gabbard.YES
Mufi Hannemann
Esther Kiaaina
Bob Marx
Comments
Gabbard:
I would work in Congress to obtain funding to add a researcher at the U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center to focus on combatting the CBB.
specifically for the CBB will have to be compelling for the USDA, but I will advocate for such funding on behalf of KCFA. I will also fight for greater attention from HDOA and UH-CTAHR, or other UH affiliates, on the CBB emergency, including funding or providing for an entomologist on the ground in Kona.
HAWAII COUNTY MAYOR
Billy KenoiYES
Harry Kim..YES
Dominic Yagong
Comments
Kenoi:
Yes. This administration will useour good relationships with lawmakers at both the state and federal levels to dowhat it can to facilitate any and all appropriate measures to combat the coffee berry borer.
Kim:
Frankly I do not understand why this has not been expedited. I would work with the governor and his key cabinet members to meet with the Kona farmers to address this.
STATE SENATE, District 3
Josh GreenYES
Jeff LaFranceYES
John Totten
Comments
Green:
I would be honored to ask the Governor for a special appropriation to support these positions and research.
LaFrance:
This is exactly why we have the Dept. of Ag. I will commit the funds necessary to solve this infestation.
STATE SENATE, District 4
DNR Kelly Greenwell
Lorraine Inouye
Malama Solomon..YES
Comments
Solomon:
Support through legislation and education
STATE REPRESENTATIVE, District 5
Dave BatemanOTHER
Denny CoffmanYES
Comments
Bateman:
We have a number of entomologists from UofH, CTAHR,HDOA, USDA, PBARC, many growers associations working together as the CBB Task Force, all researching the CBB problem and developing solutions to get the Kona and Kau origin infestation under control. I was intimately involved in drafting legislation attacking the CBB issue on feral coffee lands and farms that are not being properly maintained. Although that legislation did not move out of the House Ag committee, our industry testimony resulted in a $146,000 state grant to fight CBB. That amount was later increased by the Legislature to $196,000. We are currently in the process of securing that money through HDOA to begin fighting CBB on feral coffee lands and other farmed land. In addition I was part of the SHAC (Synergistic Hawaii Agriculture Council) team to secure $330,000 through the USDA (FAS) emergency response for R&D efforts to fight CBB. Bottom line, we dont need to spend money on more entomologists. We have the worlds best working the CBB issue. Weve also been successful on pulling together substantial funding to support the R&D efforts. Instead what we need is unity within our coffee industry to cooperate in these studies and mitigation efforts.
STATE REPRESENTATIVE, District 6
DNR Kalei Akaka
Mike Breslin
Fred Housel
DNR Bucky Leslie
Nicole Lowen…YES
Comments
Lowen:
The threat posed by the CBB is a serious emergency that could have drastic consequences in this district. If elected I would do everything I could to see that needed funds and staff are allocated to address this issue immediately.
STATE REPRESENTATIVE, District 7
Cindy EvansOTHER
Comments
Evans:
I know the state has devoted staff time and funds to mitigating the CBB. I’d be willing to work with the coffee growers to develop a strategy with the State, including the importance of having an entomologist working on this problem.
COUNTY COUNCIL, District 6
Maile David…………………………………………YES
Brenda Ford.YES
Lee McIntosh
Bradley Westervelt
Comments
David:
I would support legislative efforts to combat CBB, work with the State Department of Agriculture in finding solutions and also talking with farmers to get their input regarding what works for them.
Ford:
Work with our State Legislative team, issue resolution requesting emergency financial aid, ask state to require removal of wild coffee on private land.
COUNTY COUNCIL, District 7
Dru Mamo Kanuha..YES
Comments:
Kanuha:
Recommend to the State the need for an entomologist.
COUNTY COUNCIL, District 8
Karen EoffYES
Charles Guccione
Comments
Eoff:
I will support adding the expense to our budget.
HAWAII COUNTY PROSECUTOR
Lincoln AshidaOTHER
Mitch RothYES
Comments
Ashida:
I believe legislators and law-makers (like Council members) are better able to address this problem. It may be unethical for an elected prosecutor to utilize his/her position unless they are placed on a board or committee with the authority to make such recommendations (Section 2-83 Hawaii County Code, as amended).
Roth:
While this does not come within the purview of prosecutors, it is very important, and every Govt. official should be an advocate to protect coffee.