U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono has called on the Secretary of the Interior, Douglas Burgum, to reinstate probationary employees of the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) in Hawaii who were dismissed during the Trump Administration. As a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Hirono expressed concern over the decision's impact on communities across the country.
"The recent across-the-board firing of probationary employees at the Department of the Interior was done in haste, without foresight, and will do lasting damage to communities throughout our country," stated Senator Hirono. She highlighted that constituents from Hawaii to Maine are alarmed by these "unjustifiable and short-sighted firings."
Hirono emphasized the critical roles FWS employees play in preserving Hawaii’s environment and natural resources. She mentioned specific duties such as preventing brown tree snakes from infesting Hawaii from Guam, managing water flow for taro farms on Kauai, and conducting plant restoration and wildlife refuge protection on Hawaii Island and Oahu.
"The harm these firings are having on programs we rely on is obvious," Hirono concluded. She urged Secretary Burgum to support his agency and workers, noting that failing to do so would result in costs outweighing any savings from terminating these positions.
In her letter to Secretary Burgum, Hirono detailed how public land managers protect ecosystems vital to community services. She pointed out that terminations within FWS significantly jeopardize Hawaiian communities due to their unique environmental needs as an island state.
On Kauai, all FWS field staff were terminated, including a position crucial for controlling water flow for taro farms—a habitat for endangered birds—potentially affecting Hawaii’s $6 million taro production industry. On Hawaii Island and Oahu, significant reductions included losing a plant restoration team essential for fire suppression efforts and a role maintaining fences against invasive species like pigs.
Additional staff losses include a position dedicated to preventing brown tree snakes from entering Hawaii from Guam—a potential threat estimated at $1.7 billion annually if introduced.
Senator Hirono's appeal underscores her belief in reinstating these employees due to their critical work safeguarding both Hawaii’s environment and economy.