Report Title:

Invasive species; prohibition on interference.

Description:

Prohibits agencies from interfering with efforts to prevent the introduction of or to eradicate invasive species.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2261

TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2002

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

RELATING TO THE ENVIRONMENT.

 

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

SECTION 1. The introduction of invasive aquatic and terrestrial species is potentially the greatest threat to the conservation of Hawaii's natural resources and native plants and animals. Invasive species also comprise a significant threat to our economy as well as to our quality of life. Currently, the department of agriculture has primary control over the intentional introduction of alien species into the State while the department of land and natural resources has primary responsibility for eradicating invasive species from natural aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

To address this problem, it is important for the State to make maximum use of its limited resources in the most efficient manner possible. One way is to ensure that all state agencies not responsible for preventing the introduction or the eradication of alien species do not interfere with these efforts.

The purpose of this Act is to prohibit state agencies from interfering with the efforts of agencies responsible for addressing Hawaii's alien species problem.

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

"§ - Invasive species; interference prohibited. (a) No agency shall interfere with efforts to prevent the introduction of, or to eradicate invasive species of, aquatic life, wildlife, or land plant species that threaten the health and well-being of humans and the ecosystems of the State.

(b) No agency shall interfere with any programs relating to invasive species that are supported in whole or in part by state or private funds when another agency is assigned jurisdiction.

(c) As used in this section, unless the context indicates otherwise:

"Agency" means any executive department, independent commission, board, bureau, office, or other establishment of the State, the judiciary, or the University of Hawaii.

"Alien species" means, with respect to a particular ecosystem, any species or other viable biological material that is not native to that ecosystem.

"Invasive species" means an alien species whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

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

INTRODUCED BY:

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