I got a note from Laurie Au at Governor Abercrombie’s office today:

Aloha Richard,

I hope you’re doing well. Today, Governor Abercrombie presented his administration’s budget to the state Legislature. You may have read some news stories about the budget, but I wanted to point out a proposal to you that might interest you.

In his budget, the Governor restores many critical government functions in order to best serve the most basic public needs. One of those proposals includes:

Rebuilding the agricultural inspection system to prevent the introduction of invasive species that damage our environment and agricultural industry.

The Governor is trying to restore a functioning government and make the best use of limited resources in order to secure Hawaii’s future, but we need your help. While the governor will be making more of a concerted effort to speak to legislators, community groups, and the public on his initiatives, we need more people to speak out as well.

Would you be willing to:

• Set up meeting with legislators
• Write letters to legislators
• Media campaign – write letters to the editors, opinion pieces, talk to reporters, use social media.
• Reach out to your networks letting them know about this specific proposal and asking them to help as well.

I’m willing to provide whatever background you may need on this proposal and to help write any material you may need. Thanks so much for your help and consideration, and if there is anyone else you think would be interested in helping, please let me know. We’re doing our best to reach out to as many people as possible.

Mahalo,
Laurie

Laurie Au
Deputy Communications Director
Office of the Governor

I let Laurie know that I’ll support this effort any way I can:

The agricultural inspection system is very important. It keeps invasive species out, lowering costs of control for farmers as well as protecting our environment. Also, catching contaminated produce when it arrives, and charging the cost to the proper entity, sends the proper price signal to farmers.

Food security involves farmers farming — and we know that if the farmer makes money, the farmer will farm. This initiative will help farmers make money/save money.

I’ll start spreading the word and asking for people’s help. Send me any supplemental information that you may have. I’ll be in touch.

Aloha
Richard