Report Title:

Invasive Species Control

Description:

Appropriates funds to control invasive species, including fireweed.

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

545

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2003

 

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. Invasive species have caused significant damage to Hawaii's environment as well as the economy. The agricultural industry, the livestock industry in particular, has been confronted by many invasive species that adversely affect pasture lands.

Fireweed is an extremely poisonous and aggressive weed. It invades overgrazed and drought-ridden pastures and is often found along roadsides. Fireweed is toxic to cattle, horses, and other livestock. When ingested, fireweed causes damage to the liver and neurological system, which may eventually lead to death. Symptoms may occur weeks or months after grazing. Fireweed is also a threat to native Hawaiian plants.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for the control of invasive species, including but not limited to the control of fireweed.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $500,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2003-2004 and the sum of $500,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2004-2005 for the control of invasive species.

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

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2003.

INTRODUCED BY:

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