Hawaii resident and star of celebrated series True Detective Woody Harrelson is urging lawmakers to end the ivory trade in the Aloha state.
Harrelson joins The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International in their work to end the cruel and illicit ivory trade, which is driving the massacre of tens of thousands of African elephants every year.
Hawaii is the 3rd largest retailer of ivory in the nation, behind only New York and California. Scientists estimate African elephants may be extinct in as few as 12 years if the current rate of poaching continues.
A longtime advocate for animals, Mr. Harrelson declares, "No one needs ivory except for elephants. Up to 100 African elephants are brutally killed each day for their tusks. These highly intelligent keystone species are facing the greatest threat to their survival in history.
“Right now Hawaii has a chance to be a global leader in elephant conservation by ending the illegal ivory trade and setting an example for other states and nations to follow. The world is watching. It is within our power, and our responsibility, to end this cruelty by stopping the blood ivory trade. As a long time Hawaii resident I know how much the great Aloha state has to offer; contributing to the massacre of elephants for their ivory, shouldn’t be one of them.”
The bill, House Bill 493 Senate Draft 1, was scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Ways and Means Committee on Friday, March 28, and passed unanimously. It will now move on to a full Senate vote.
