HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2426
TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2014
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to biosecurity.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the unchecked spread of invasive species is one of the greatest threats to Hawaii's economy, natural environment, and the health and lifestyle of Hawaii's people.  Invasive pests can cause millions of dollars in crop losses, the extinction of native species, the destruction of native forests, the spread of disease, and the quarantine of exported agricultural crops.

Island ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to the destructive power of invasive pests.  In Guam, the accidental introduction of the brown tree snake has resulted in widespread devastation.  Without natural predators or competition for food, brown tree snake populations have grown exponentially, causing mass extinctions of endemic birds.  Where there were once bird songs, the silent forests of Guam are now home to as many as fifteen thousand snakes per square mile.  The introduction of a single new pest like the brown tree snake could forever change the character of the Hawaiian Islands.

Despite ongoing efforts to detect and eradicate invasive species, our fragile island ecosystems are constantly at risk from invasive insects, disease-bearing organisms, snakes, weeds, and other pests.  To date, the coqui frog, kariba weed, miconia plant, ohia rust pathogen, nettle caterpillar, and little fire ant have all found their way to Hawaii, disrupting the delicate balance of our ecosystems, crowding out native species, and reducing the biodiversity of our islands.

Ports of entry are the gateways through which new invasive pests make their way to the islands.  As a result, it is vital that our airports and harbors are prepared with the resources, facilities, and infrastructure to properly prevent the introduction of any new invasive species to our island home.

The purpose of this Act is to provide support to our airports and harbors for the infrastructure and facilities necessary to prevent the introduction of new invasive species to Hawaii.

SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2014-2015 for the planning, design, and construction of biosecurity facilities at harbors and airports throughout the State.

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, 2014.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Biosecurity; Invasive Species; State Facilities; CIP

Description:

Appropriates funds for the planning, design and construction of biosecurity facilities at harbors and airports throughout the State.  Effective July 1, 2014.

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