THE SENATE

S.R. NO.

94

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2004

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 
   


SENATE RESOLUTION

 

REQUESTING the Hawaii Invasive Species Council to report TO THE LEGISLATURE oN its PROGRAM TO fight invasive species.

 

WHEREAS, invasive species have caused significant damage to Hawaii's environment and economy; and

WHEREAS, the agricultural industry is confronted constantly with many invasive species that adversely affect the industry, including fireweed (senecio madagascariensis), coqui frog, nettle caterpillar, and little fire ant; and

WHEREAS, fireweed is an aggressive noxious weed that threatens Hawaii's native plant and livestock industries and is toxic to cattle, horses, and other livestock, resulting in liver and neurological damage that eventually leads to death; and

WHEREAS, fireweed is found on the islands of Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai and is spreading throughout the island chain; and

WHEREAS, the coqui frog emits a loud piercing noise that is an ongoing problem for many island communities, as well the nursery industry that is trying to control its importation; and

WHEREAS, the nettle caterpillar is currently established in the Panaewa area, on the island of Hawaii, and attacks ti, mondo grass, and a number of different ornamental palms, including coconut; and

WHEREAS, the little fire ant occupies over a hundred acres in East Hawaii and is a growing problem at plant nurseries, landscaped areas, and pastures; and

WHEREAS, originally created in 2002, by Executive Order No. 2002-03, the Hawaii Invasive Species Council was statutorily established under Act 85, Session Laws of Hawaii 2003; and

WHEREAS, Act 85 authorizes the Council to promote coordinated approaches among various executive departments, federal agencies, and international and local initiatives to prevent and control the spread of invasive species; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2004, that the Hawaii Invasive Species Council is requested to report to the Legislature on its progress, findings, and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, concerning their program to fight invasive species no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2005; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor and the members of the Hawaii Invasive Species Council.

 

 

 

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title:

Invasive Species