Report Title:

Invasive species control; appropriations

Description:

Appropriates funds for the control of invasive species; requires the Hawaii Invasive Species Council to report back to the legislature on the progress of its work. (HB1830 HD1)

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1830

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2004

H.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE CONTROL OF INVASIVE SPECIES.

 

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that invasive species have caused significant damage to Hawaii's environment as well as the economy. The agricultural industry has been confronted constantly with many invasive species that adversely affect the production of plants and animals. Several pests pose a growing problem to the agricultural industry, including fireweed (senecio madagascariensis), coqui frog, nettle caterpillar, and little fire ant.

Fireweed is an aggressive noxious weed that threatens Hawaii's native plants and livestock industry. When ingested, fireweed is toxic to cattle, horses, and other livestock, resulting in damage to the liver and neurological system, eventually leading to death. Fireweed is spreading throughout the island chain and is found on the islands of Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai.

The coqui frog will be an ongoing problem for the nursery industry as export shipments are affected. Various methods of controlling the coqui frog population are being explored.

The nettle caterpillar is currently established in the Panaewa area on the island of Hawaii. It attacks ti, mondo grass, and a number of different ornamental palms, including coconut. Nettle caterpillar may also harm agricultural workers in the nursery industry.

The little fire ant is a growing problem in East Hawaii at plant nurseries, landscaped areas, and pastures. Currently, only a few pesticides have been approved to control the little fire ant. Additional funding will be needed to apply chemical control to a number of little fire ant infestations in over a hundred acres in East Hawaii.

In 2002, Executive Order No. 2002-03 established the Hawaii invasive species council (council). Last year, to ensure the continuation of the council, the legislature codified the council through Act 85, Session Laws of Hawaii 2003. The purpose of Act 85 is to:

(1) Provide statutory authority to the council to continue its special purpose of fostering and organizing coordinated approaches among various executive departments, federal agencies, and international and local initiatives for the prevention and control of invasive species; and

(2) Affirm the objective of the State to rid Hawaii of invasive species.

The purpose of this Act is to:

(1) Provide the necessary funds for the control of invasive species adversely affecting the agricultural industry; and

(2) Require the council to report to the legislature on its progress, findings, and any recommendations.

SECTION 2. The Hawaii invasive species council shall submit a report of its progress, findings, and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the start of the regular session of 2005.

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 2004-2005 for the control of invasive species.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2004.