Appropriates funds for statewide outreach and eradication efforts relating to the Coqui frog.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the invasive species known as the coqui frog has spread throughout all counties of the state, threatening Hawaii's ecosystem and causing difficulties for Hawaii's residents. Despite this threat, many Hawaii residents are still unaware of what can be done to help blunt the growth of the coqui frog population.

Through past legislative support, the Hawaii invasive species council played a key role in attempting to contain environmental scourges, including the coqui frog. It is the intent of the legislature to continue this support to educate Hawaii's public on the problems caused by the coqui frog and assist in its eradication statewide.

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 2005-2006 for statewide outreach efforts to educate the public about the coqui frog.

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

SECTION 3. 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 2005-2006 for efforts toward coqui frog eradication, statewide.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act. SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2005.