Bill Text: HI HB1004 | 2017 | Regular Session | Amended
Bill Title: Relating To Rapid Ohia Death.
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 18-3)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2017-02-15 - Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on FIN with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Kobayashi, Oshiro excused (2). [HB1004 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2017-HB1004-Amended.html
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1004 |
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TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2017 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO RAPID OHIA DEATH.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that ohia (Metrosideros spp.) is the dominant tree in eighty per cent of all native Hawaii forests. Ohia forests protect the upper reaches of the State's critically important watersheds, which supply fresh water to downstream communities and agriculture. Rapid ohia death is a disease caused by a newly identified fungus and is an extremely serious threat to ohia forests. Rapid ohia death is caused by a species of Ceratocystis fungus that may enter the tree through an open wound and then moves into the trunk and stops water transport. This disease may be spread by various means, including wind, tunneling beetles, transfers of infected tree materials, unsanitary forestry equipment, vehicles, and footwear. Where rapid ohia death has killed or is killing ohia overstory trees, non-native plants dominate the understory, reducing their watershed, conservation, and cultural value. The disease currently affects over fifty-thousand acres of ohia forest on the island of Hawaii. Nearly one hundred per cent of trees will die in already infected areas.
The rapid ohia death strategic response plan was formulated in 2016 in response to the potential catastrophic loss in diversity, structure, and function of the State's remaining native forests. The plan identifies critical research needs and management recommendations to address the anticipated ecologic, hydrologic, economic, and cultural devastation caused by the further spread of rapid ohia death across Hawaii island and the rest of the State. Funding is required to execute the priorities of this plan.
The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to implement the rapid ohia death strategic response plan. Funding will support seven strategic objectives in the areas of containment, early detection, rapid response, outreach, and restoration.
SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2017-2018 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2018-2019 for use as detailed by the rapid ohia death strategic response plan. The appropriation shall be distributed as follows:
(1) $ shall be used for twenty-one full-time equivalent (FTE) positions, five post-doctoral fellow positions, two technician positions, and two specialist positions; and
(2) $ shall be used for supplies, equipment, and resources needed for research, threat response, response coordination, outreach, and cultural engagement.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 31, 2150.
Report Title:
Rapid Ohia Death; Department of Land and Natural Resources; Appropriation
Description:
Appropriates moneys for implementation of the Rapid Ohia Death Strategic Response Plan. (HB1004 HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
