Hawaii-2014-SB2920-Amended

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2920
TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2014		S.D. 2
STATE OF HAWAII		H.D. 1

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 Wasmannia auropunctata, commonly known as the little fire ant, threatens native biodiversity, alters tropical ecosystems, impairs human health, impedes tourism, diminishes agricultural productivity, mars horticulture sales, and accordingly ranks among the world's worst invasive species. Human behaviors and habitats allow the little fire ant to move quickly, disperse widely, grow to high densities, and inhabit locations not otherwise possible.

Hawaii's tropical climate is ideally suited for little fire ant establishment and growth. As of 2013, the little fire ant has been recorded on the islands of Kauai, Maui, Oahu, Lanai, and Hawaii. The little fire ant has been successfully contained on the island of Kauai and almost eradicated on the islands of Maui and Lanai, but continues to move between islands on plants, cut flowers, fruits, and other media. The ant now appears to be established at several locations on the island of Oahu. Additional research, new tools, and increased public awareness are needed to stop the further spread and establishment of the little fire ant.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for the development and implementation of additional tools to detect and control the little fire ant and to create a statewide public awareness and education campaign about the little fire ant.

SECTION 2. (a) The county of Hawaii's department of parks and recreation shall implement a little fire ant pilot project. The pilot project shall:

(1) Address the spread of the little fire ant within infested county parks;

(2) Test different types of pesticides for controlling and eradicating the little fire ant;

(3) Develop model strategies to eradicate the threat of little fire ants that other counties can implement; and

(4) Work in close collaboration with the Hawaii ant lab of the Pacific cooperative studies unit of the University of Hawaii.

(b) The county of Hawaii may hire personnel necessary for the little fire ant pilot project. The staff, at a minimum, shall consist of one part-time caretaker II position and two part-time caretaker I positions.

(c) The little fire ant pilot project shall end on June 30, 2015. The department shall submit a report to the legislature, no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2016, detailing findings and recommendations, including proposed legislation, regarding the pilot project.

SECTION 3. (a) The Hawaii ant lab of the Pacific cooperative studies unit of the University of Hawaii shall implement a canine detection team pilot project to assist in the detection of new little fire ant populations and the eradication of ant sites.

(b) The canine detection team pilot project shall end on June 30, 2015. The Hawaii ant lab of the Pacific cooperative studies unit of the University of Hawaii shall submit a report to the legislature, no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2016, detailing findings and recommendations, including proposed legislation, regarding the pilot project.

SECTION 4. The Hawaii invasive species council shall implement a statewide public awareness and education campaign to assist in the prevention and eradication of little fire ants, with an emphasis on testing and detecting the presence of the invasive species in the media and materials moved by human commerce and travel, including plants, soil, mulch, cinder, vehicles, and equipment.

SECTION 5. 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 2014-2015 to establish the little fire ant pilot project, including hiring the necessary personnel, pesticides, and equipment, to address the little fire ant threat to Hawaii and develop strategies to eradicate the little fire ant that can be implemented statewide.

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

SECTION 6. 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 2014-2015 to establish a canine detection team for statewide use to assist in the detection of little fire ants.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the University of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 7. 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 2014-2015 for a statewide public awareness and education campaign on little fire ants.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the Hawaii invasive species council for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 8. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2014.