THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	685
THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2019		S.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 invasion of Hawai‘i by insects, disease-bearing organisms, snakes, weeds, and other pests is the single greatest threat to the State's economy and natural environment and to the health and lifestyle of the people of Hawai‘i.  Pests already cause millions of dollars in crop losses, the extinction of native species, the destruction of native forests, and the spread of disease, but many more harmful pests now threaten to invade Hawai‘i and cause more damage.  Stopping the influx of new pests and containing their spread are essential to the State's current and future well-being.

     The legislature further recognizes the efforts made by the department of land and natural resources' division of forestry and wildlife, Maui branch, and the Maui invasive species committee to control high-threat invasive species throughout Maui county, especially efforts in east Maui to control miconia, a fast-growing weedy tree that can increase erosion and landslides due to its shallow root system.  It is estimated that approximately 37,000 acres throughout east Maui could contain miconia, which poses a threat to the local environment, cultural practices, and economy.

     In addition to miconia, Maui is threatened by invasive species that enter the State through interstate commerce.  For example, the transportation of plants has resulted in a significant and growing problem in the county of Maui with:

     (1)  Eleutherodactylus coqui, commonly known as "coqui frogs";

     (2)  Wasmannia auropunctata, commonly known as "little fire ants";

     (3)  Hypothenemus hampei, commonly known as "coffee borer beetles" or "coffee berry borers";

     (4)  Dynastinae, commonly known as "rhinoceros beetles";

     (5)  Angiostrongylus cantonensis, commonly known as "rat lungworm disease"; and

     (6)  Chital, commonly known as "axis deer."

     The purpose of this Act is to provide funds to establish invasive species technician positions for the department of land and natural resources' division of forestry and wildlife in east Maui to control invasive species from negatively impacting the environment and economy, and to appropriate funds to substantially reduce and eradicate the problem of invasive species throughout the county of Maui.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $2,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2019-2020 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2020-2021 to establish five permanent full-time equivalent (5.0 FTE) invasive species technician positions at the department of land and natural resources' division of forestry and wildlife, Maui branch, to address invasive plants and animals in east Maui.

     The sums 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 2019-2020 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2020-2021 for activities relating to the substantial reduction and eradication of invasive species throughout the county of Maui pursuant to this Act.

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

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2019.

 

 

 

Report Title:

Department of Land and Natural Resources; Division of Forestry and Wildlife; East Maui; Invasive Species; Appropriations

 

Description:

Appropriates funds to the department of land and natural resources' division of forestry and wildlife, Maui branch, for invasive species technician positions in east Maui to address invasive plants and animals.  Appropriates funds to the department of land and natural resources to reduce and eradicate invasive species throughout the county of Maui.  (SD1)

 

 

 

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