THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	1183
TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2015		S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO STATE LAND MAMMAL.

 

 

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

 

 

     SECTION 1.  The ōpe‘ape‘a, otherwise known as the Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus), is Hawaii's only endemic land mammal and is a subspecies found only in Hawaii.  This bat is a subspecies of the North American hoary bat.

     An adult Hawaiian hoary has an approximate twelve to fifteen inch wingspan, weighs approximately as much as a mouse, and flies at a speed of up to sixty miles per hour while pursuing mosquitoes, insects, and other night-land aerial prey.  A single Hawaiian hoary bat can consume forty per cent of its body weight in a single night.

     On October 13, 1970, the ōpe‘ape‘a (Hawaiian hoary bat) was listed as endangered under the Federal Endangered Species Act and the State of Hawaii's endangered species list.  Population estimates for the ōpe‘ape‘a have ranged from hundreds to a few thousand.  The magnitude of any current population decline is unknown; however, observation and specimen records suggest that the ōpe‘ape‘a is now absent from historically occupied ranges.  The legislature finds that preserving the ōpe‘ape‘a, which is found only in Hawaii, is important to Hawaii's heritage and culture.

     The purpose of this Act is to recognize the importance of the ōpe‘ape‘a to the State of Hawaii and raise awareness of the ōpe‘ape‘a as an endangered species and uniquely Hawaiian land mammal by designating the ōpe‘ape‘a as the official land mammal of the State.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§5-    State land mammal.  The ōpe‘ape‘a, otherwise known as the Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus), is established and designated as the official land mammal of the State."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

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

 

 

 

Report Title:

Ōpe‘ape‘a; State Land Mammal

 

 

Description:

Designates the ōpe‘ape‘a (aka Hawaiian hoary bat) as the state land mammal.  (SD1)

 

 

 

 

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