HB3425 HD2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	3425
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008		H.D. 2
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that S.C.R. No. 206, 2007, recognized the need to develop a taro security and research program to ensure that taro can be saved and protected from pests and diseases.

Taro and taro markets are in a state of decline. In addition, the threats that taro farming families and communities face in cultivating taro are numerous and growing. Taro lands in Hawaii represent less than one per cent of all agricultural lands in cultivation in the state, yet it remains the most important traditional cultural crop in Hawaii. Taro production is clearly underfunded.

The department of agriculture's preliminary report on the implementation of S.C.R. No. 206 found that the invasive apple snail, Pomacea canaliculata, represents the greatest concern to taro farmers. The apple snail accounted for 18 to 25 per cent of crop losses in recent years.

A September 2006 report, entitled "Statewide Strategic Control Plan for Apple Snail (Pomacea canaliculata) in Hawaii" and funded by the department of land and natural resources division of aquatic resources, clearly documented the rapid spread of this pest in wetland taro systems, natural wetlands, estuaries, streams, ditches, reservoirs, ponds, and springs on all islands, except Molokai and Kahoolawe; provided information on the apple snail's biology and behavior, and pest control efforts locally and globally; and documented the adverse environmental, agricultural, economic, health-related, educational, and cultural effects of this invasive species on the taro farming community, the taro market, and the overall natural environment since its arrival in 1983-1984. This report also documented that the State has spent less than $400,000 on snail control efforts, with little success. The importance of addressing the decline in crop yields due to apple snails continues to increase as Hawaii continued to import more and more taro in 2006 and 2007.

Taro farmers have demonstrated their commitment to the survival of taro and to finding a solution to the apple snail problem despite many hurdles, including the lack of committed funding and institutional support. They have initiated and collaborated on an economic impact study, a statewide strategic control plan, and self-initiated research and practices, and have demonstrated a willingness to participate in the taro purity and security dialogue.

The purpose of this Act is to provide funding for statewide taro research that focuses specifically on the apple snail problem.

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 2008-2009 for statewide taro research that focuses specifically on the apple snail problem.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2020.