Appropriates funds to prevent and mitigate alien species invasions, particularly the introduction of alien snake species in Hawaii.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that there is a significant risk to Hawaii's native species and human quality of life posed by the introduction of alien snake species. An examination of department of agriculture records from 1991 to 2000 indicates hundreds of credible snake sightings in the State, most of which are of free-roaming animals that are not recovered. These snakes are accidentally introduced as cargo stowaways. Most recovered specimens are of species potentially capable of inflicting significant harm to native birds and the poultry industry if they become established. An analysis of the frequency with which snakes are smuggled into the State, the conduciveness of the local environment to snake welfare, and the ecological threats posed to native birds by recovered snake species leads to the conclusion that snakes pose a high risk to Hawaii. Mitigation of this threat can only be had by altering the behavior leading to their widespread introduction. Failure to achieve this reduction will make successful establishment of ecologically dangerous snakes in Hawaii a virtual certainty.

The legislature further finds that the confiscation of animals already imported into the State is of low probability because of lack of appropriate law-enforcement staff and training for the state agency having jurisdictional authority. Consequently, investigation of smuggling cases is devolved onto inspectors who are limited in pursuing cases by lacking: the ability to obtain background information on suspects in a timely manner; the ability and experience in obtaining search or arrest warrants; the ability to serve warrants; and the ability to directly discuss these cases with prosecutors. Cases that have been successfully pursued in recent years have relied on assistance offered by concerned personnel from other agencies, but the ad hoc nature of these collaborations has resulted in few cases being prosecuted. One additional problem is that the seriousness of smuggling invasive animals has not been generally commonplace until now, nor appreciated by the law-enforcement, legal, and judicial communities in Hawaii, further ensuring that even when warrants are obtained and served, receipt of a meaningful penalty by the perpetrator is doubtful.

These problems can be overcome only by providing meaningful inspection of passengers and baggage at the airports and providing a compelling enforcement capability to apprehend smugglers. To meet these needs:

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to mitigate the invasion of snakes and other alien species into Hawaii, in recognition of the fact that alien-species invasions are a major threat to human ecological welfare, are a cost externalized by assorted small interest groups on society as a whole, and require a vigorous and comprehensive response by those entrusted with managing the public welfare.

SECTION 2. 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 2001-2002, to prevent and mitigate alien species invasions, particularly the introduction of alien snake species in Hawaii, as provided in this Act.

SECTION 3. 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, 2001.