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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
109 |
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TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2014 |
S.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
Proposed |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that immediate action is needed to stop the spread and establishment of the little fire ant. Under Act 85, Session Laws of Hawaii 2003, the legislature recognized the silent invasion of alien invasive species as the single greatest threat to Hawaii's economy, natural environment, and health and lifestyle of Hawaii residents and visitors.
The little fire ant (Wasmannia auropunctata) threatens ground-nesting wildlife, agricultural production, and human health and is linked to blindness in pets and livestock. Economists at the University of Hawaii have estimated the annual costs of unmanaged infestations to exceed $150,000,000 for the island of Hawaii.
The little fire ant has been successfully contained in one location on the island of Kauai and is almost eradicated from the island of Maui. However, the little fire ant appears to be moving through interisland commerce because it can easily be transported via plants, cut flowers, fruit, soil, sand, equipment, and vehicles. In December 2013, the little fire ant was detected at several nurseries on Oahu and Maui on hapu‘u tree ferns. The ant now appears to be established at several locations on Oahu.
The legislature further finds that the department of agriculture lacks adequate inspection and response capacity to address the little fire ant infestation situation. Without immediate additional funds, populations of the little fire ant may be established on each of the main islands. Those residents and businesses on islands where little fire ants have become widespread are suffering financial losses and a decrease in their overall quality of life.
The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to support the development and implementation of additional tools to stop the spread and establishment of little fire ants.
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 department of agriculture to establish and implement tools to control and eradicate little fire ants in Hawaii.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $800,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2014-2015 to establish an island-based canine detection team on each county to assist in the detection of little fire ants and other high priority invasive species as determined by each county; provided that with the approval of the department of agriculture and appropriate security clearances, a county may provide its island-based canine detection team for use at state ports and harbors to assist in the detection of invasive species.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the Pacific cooperative studies unit of the University of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 4. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $350,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2014-2015 for public outreach and education efforts related to the control and eradication of the little fire ants in Hawaii.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the Pacific cooperative studies unit of the University of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2014.
Report Title:
Invasive Species; Little Fire Ant; Department of Agriculture; University of Hawaii; Appropriation
Description:
Appropriates funds to support the development and implementation of additional tools and education and outreach, to stop the spread and establishment of little fire ants. (Proposed SD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.