Bill Text: HI HB1714 | 2020 | Regular Session | Amended

Hawaii House Bill 1714 (Prior Session Legislation)

Bill Title: Relating To Invasive Species.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2020-02-14 - Report adopted; referred to the committee(s) on FIN with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Holt, Takayama excused (2). [HB1714 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2020-HB1714-Amended.html

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1714
THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2020		H.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO INVASIVE SPECIES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the population of chital, commonly known as "axis deer", has caused significant damage on farms and ranches in the county of Maui, where the number of axis deer is a serious and growing problem. Axis deer are known pests of both agriculture and plants, many of the latter being endangered native or culturally significant species.

The legislature also finds that in the county of Maui, ranchers and farmers struggle against an axis deer population that has exploded and wreaked havoc on local agriculture, animals in the forest, and native plants that are vital to watershed areas. Additionally, the county of Maui has made significant efforts to support greater food sustainability, and protection of local food production from the devastating impacts of axis deer is critical to continue this support. The legislature finds that axis deer pose a significant threat to the sustainability of local food production by destroying crops and competing with livestock for forage.

The legislature further finds that although the axis deer population may be referred to as an invasive species, it also significantly contributes to the subsistence hunting lifestyle and cultural practices of residents of Maui, Molokai, and Lanai. Accordingly, available resources should be focused on the management of the axis deer population to mitigate its harmful impact on local environments and food production.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds:

(1) To substantially reduce and manage the overpopulation of axis deer in the county of Maui; provided that the population of axis deer shall be managed properly rather than eradicated; and

(2) For the county of Maui to prepare a plan detailing how the county will reduce and manage the county's overpopulation of axis deer.

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 2020-2021 for activities relating to the reduction and management of the axis deer population in the county of Maui.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. 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 2020-2021 for the county of Maui to prepare a plan that details how it will reduce and manage the overpopulation of axis deer in the county of Maui.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the county of Maui for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2150.

Report Title:

Maui County Mayor's Package; DLNR; Invasive Species; County of Maui; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds to the Department of Land and Natural Resources for the management of the axis deer population in the county of Maui. Appropriates funds to Maui County for preparation of a plan detailing how it will reduce and manage the overpopulation of Axis deer. Takes effect on 7/1/2150. (HD1)

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