Bill Text: HI HB297 | 2019 | Regular Session | Amended


Bill Title: Relating To Mosquito Vector Control.

Spectrum: Strong Partisan Bill (Democrat 15-1)

Status: (Passed) 2019-06-25 - Act 106, 06/21/2019 (Gov. Msg. No. 1208). [HB297 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2019-HB297-Amended.html

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

297

THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2019

H.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

S.D. 1

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO MOSQUITO VECTOR CONTROL.

 

 

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

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the Aedes aegypti mosquito is the primary mosquito species that is responsible for transmitting human viruses, including Zika and dengue.  The legislature further finds that research by the World Mosquito Project indicates that the introduction of Wolbachia bacteria into mosquitoes makes the mosquitoes more resistant to infection with pathogens that can cause diseases in humans, including Zika and dengue, and therefore less likely to transmit these diseases to humans.  However, while Wolbachia bacteria are natural bacteria in some mosquitoes, it is not usually found in the Aedes aegypti mosquito.  Mosquitoes with naturally-occurring Wolbachia bacteria are not presently known to exist in the State.

     The legislature further finds that the release of Wolbachia-carrying Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and subsequent interbreeding with wild mosquitoes reduce the ability of cumulative mosquito populations to serve as disease vectors without suppressing mosquito populations and, therefore, altering ecosystem balance.  Research has also shown that Wolbachia is safe for humans, animals, and the environment.

     The department of agriculture regulates the importation of animals, including insects, into Hawaii by maintaining lists of conditionally approved animals that require a permit for import into the State, restricted animals that require a permit for both import into the State and possession, and animals that are prohibited entry into the State.

     The legislature further finds that protecting the residents of Hawaii from mosquito-borne illnesses such as Zika and dengue viruses warrants further inquiry into the feasibility and safety of importing and releasing mosquitoes with Wolbachia bacteria.  Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to investigate potential innovative vector control programs by:

     (1)  Directing the department of agriculture to review the Aedes aegypti mosquito with Wolbachia bacteria, including Aedes aegypti mosquitoes originating from Hawaii stock that could be imported for landscape scale mosquito control, and render a determination for placement of the mosquito on the appropriate animal import list; and

     (2)  Directing the departments of agriculture, health, and land and natural resources to collaborate on a report to the legislature that includes recommendations regarding the importation of the Aedes aegypti mosquito with Wolbachia bacteria, including Aedes aegypti mosquitoes originating from Hawaii stock that could be imported for landscape scale mosquito control, and recommendations for appropriate vector control programs.

     SECTION 2.  The department of agriculture shall review the Aedes aegypti mosquito with Wolbachia bacteria, including Aedes aegypti mosquitoes originating from Hawaii stock that could be imported for landscape scale mosquito control, and render a determination for placement of the mosquito on the appropriate animal import list, pursuant to section 150A-6.2, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     SECTION 3.  The departments of agriculture, health, and land and natural resources shall collaborate on a report to the legislature that shall include:

     (1)  Findings and recommendations regarding the importation and release of the Aedes aegypti mosquito with Wolbachia bacteria, including Aedes aegypti mosquitoes originating from Hawaii stock that could be imported for landscape scale mosquito control;

     (2)  Determination for the placement of the Aedes

          aegypti mosquito with Wolbachia bacteria on the appropriate animal import list pursuant to section 150A-6.2, Hawaii Revised Statutes, and the status of the import list placement process;

     (3)  Recommendations, plans, timeline, and implementation costs for a mosquito control program using the Aedes aegypti mosquito with Wolbachia bacteria, if permitted, and, if not permitted, recommendations for other alternative vector control means; and

     (4)  Any other relevant findings, recommendations, and any necessary proposed legislation.

The report shall be submitted to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2020.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.



 

Report Title:

DOA; Aedes Aegypti Mosquito; Wolbachia Bacteria; Vector Control; Animal Importation; Report

 

Description:

Directs DOA to review the Aedes aegypti mosquito with Wolbachia bacteria, including Aedes aegypti mosquitoes originating from Hawaii stock that could be imported for landscape scale mosquito control, and render a determination to place it on the appropriate animal import list.  Requires DOA, DOH, and DLNR to collaborate on a report to the Legislature with recommendations for appropriate vector control programs.  (SD1)

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

 

 

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