Report Title:

Coqui Frog; Fire Ants

Description:

Provides a two-year ban on all plants shipped into the State that may contain the Coqui frog or fire ants.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

900

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2003

 

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 Puerto Rican Coqui frog and invasive fire ants have firmly established themselves in Hawaii. The loud, shrieking noise produced by Coqui frogs has reeked havoc over several communities across the State. Recent attempts by local authorities to eradicate the frogs and fire ants have been met with mixed results. But, despite these earnest attempts, the frog's and fire ants' entry into the State, via shipped plants and other greenery, has apparently not been stopped.

The purpose of this Act is to stop the entrance of the Coqui frog and fire ants into the State by instituting a two-year shipping moratorium on all the plant life that may contain or harbor the Coqui frog or fire ants.

SECTION 2. Effective September 1, 2003, until August 30, 2005, the departments of agriculture and land and natural resources shall jointly administer a program to prohibit the entry into the State of all trees, plants, shrubs, and other tropical greenery that may contain or harbor the Puerto Rican Coqui frog or fire ants.

The departments may adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 to effectuate this Act.

The departments shall report their progress to the legislature twenty days prior to the convening of the regular sessions of 2004 and 2005.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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