Bill Text: HI HB1237 | 2025 | Regular Session | Amended
Bill Title: Relating To Biosecurity.
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 9-1)
Status: (Introduced) 2025-02-20 - The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 14 Ayes: Representative(s) Yamashita, Takenouchi, Grandinetti, Holt, Hussey, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Kitagawa, Kusch, Lamosao, Lee, M., Miyake, Morikawa, Templo, Reyes Oda; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 2 Excused: Representative(s) Alcos, Ward. [HB1237 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2025-HB1237-Amended.html
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1237 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO BIOSECURITY.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the absence of a state agricultural inspector and quarantine facility on Molokai leaves the island vulnerable to the introduction and spread of invasive species. The legislature further finds that invasive pests have and will continue to arrive via imported goods, posing a significant risk to Molokai's unique ecosystems and economy. High-risk pathways, such as the importation of plants, planting materials, mulch, used vehicles, and farm equipment, further exacerbate this threat. Notably, invasive species such as the little fire ant and coconut rhinoceros beetle have not yet been detected on Molokai.
The legislature also finds that there is no state agricultural inspector or island invasive species committee on Lanai. However, community agricultural production on the island is vibrant and growing. To date, Lanai has remained free of many invasive species that are causing devastation across the State, including little fire ants, coconut rhinoceros beetles, and coqui frogs. The legislature additionally finds that like Molokai, Lanai and the State as a whole would benefit immensely from an increased presence by the department of agriculture to provide inspections and other support for agricultural producers and the creation of an island invasive species committee.
Furthermore, the legislature finds that on Maui, urgent action and resources are required to combat the increasing threats of little fire ants, coconut rhinoceros beetles, and coqui frogs. To effectively educate the public, implement rapid responses, and carry out timely interventions and control measures, sustained funding is essential. With consistent financial support, it remains possible to reduce the economic, environmental, and social effects of invasive species by appropriating funds to public agencies and private organizations to aggressively treat and monitor little fire ant and coqui frog infestations and conduct rigorous monitoring for coconut rhinoceros beetle sightings.
Moreover, the legislature finds that investing in prevention and early detection of invasive species is essential because it can potentially save tens of millions of dollars in long-term damage and irrecoverable losses. For instance, invasive species like the coconut rhinoceros beetle threaten native and indigenous plants critical to food security and cultural continuity, such as kalo, loʻulu, maiʻa (banana), hala, and ko (sugarcane).
In addition, the legislature finds that as an island state, Hawaii has the unique advantage of being able to prevent the spread of invasive species through isolation, allowing non-infected islands to serve as critical repositories for native plants and species threatened by infestations elsewhere. This proactive approach to biosecurity will help safeguard Hawaii's environment, economy, and culture.
Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to address critical gaps in Maui county's agricultural biosecurity and support the prevention, detection, and control of invasive species in Maui county by appropriating funds for these purposes.
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 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the department of agriculture to prevent and control little fire ant and coconut rhinoceros beetle infestations in Maui county, including through the hiring of general professionals for biosecurity efforts.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. (a) 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 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to combat the spread of coqui frogs in Maui county; provided that the funding shall be allocated in the following manner:
(1) $ to the university of Hawaii Pacific cooperative studies unit for the Maui invasive species committee or its Molokai subcommittees to support education, early detection, response, and control efforts regarding coqui frogs; provided further that this funding may include providing equipment and supplies to residents to treat coqui frog infestations on their properties; and
(2) $ to establish a Lanai invasive species committee as a sub-branch of the Maui invasive species committee.
(b) The department of agriculture may make grants to or enter into contracts with the university of Hawaii Pacific cooperative studies unit for the Maui invasive species committee or its Molokai subcommittees to accomplish the purposes of this section.
(c) The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
Biosecurity; Invasive Species; Department of Agriculture; Maui County; University of Hawaii; Appropriation
Description:
Appropriates funds to the Department of Agriculture for agricultural biosecurity and the prevention, detection, and control of invasive species in Maui County. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
