THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

871

THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2019

 

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 invasion of Hawaii by insects, disease-bearing organisms, snakes, weeds, and other pests is the single greatest threat to the State's economy and natural environment and to the health and lifestyle of the people of Hawaii.  Pests already cause millions of dollars in crop losses, the extinction of native species, the destruction of native forests, and the spread of disease, but many more harmful pests now threaten to invade Hawaii and cause more damage.  Stopping the influx of new pests and containing their spread are essential to the State's current and future well-being.

     The legislature further recognizes the efforts made by the department of land and natural resources' division of forestry and wildlife, Hawaii branch, and the Big Island invasive species committee to control high-threat invasive species throughout Hawaii county, especially efforts in Hawaii county to control miconia, a fast-growing weedy tree that can increase erosion and landslides due to its shallow root system.  Large infestations of miconia are on the windward side of Hawaii island with a smaller population on the leeward side, which pose a threat to the local environment, cultural practices, and economy.

     The purpose of this Act is to provide funds to establish invasive species technician positions for the department of land and natural resources' division of forestry and wildlife in Hawaii county to control invasive species, like miconia, from negatively impacting the environment and economy.

     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 2019-2020 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2020-2021 to establish five permanent full-time equivalent (5.0 FTE) invasive species technician positions at the department of land and natural resources' division of forestry and wildlife, Hawaii branch, to address invasive plants and animals in Hawaii county.

     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, 2019.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

 

 


 


 

Report Title:

Invasive Species; Hawaii Island; Division of Forestry and Wildlife; Appropriation

 

Description:

Appropriates funds to the department of land and natural resources' division of forestry and wildlife, Hawaii branch, for invasive species technician positions on Hawaii island to address invasive plants and animals.

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.