THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2920
TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2014		S.D. 2
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO INVASIVE SPECIES.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the Wasmannia auropunctata, known as the little fire ant, threatens native biodiversity, alters tropical ecosystems, impairs human health, impedes tourism, diminishes agricultural productivity, mars horticulture sales, and accordingly ranks among the world's worst invasive species.  Human behaviors and habitats allow the little fire ant to move quickly, disperse widely, grow to high densities, and inhabit locations not otherwise possible.  Hawaii's tropical climate is ideally suited for little fire ant establishment and growth, and as of 2013, the little fire ant has been recorded on the islands of Kauai, Maui, Oahu, and Hawaii.

     The legislature further finds that research is needed to assess the long-term impacts of little fire ants in Hawaii and to ascertain the economic and social benefit from greater public investment in prevention and control.

     The purpose of this Act is to establish a little fire ant pilot project to address the spread of little fire ants and develop model strategies that can be implemented statewide to eradicate the threat of little fire ants.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  The county of Hawaii's department of parks and recreation shall implement a little fire ant pilot project.  The pilot project shall:

     (1)  Address the spread of the little fire ants within infested county parks;

     (2)  Test different types of pesticides for controlling and eradicating the little fire ant; and

     (3)  Develop model strategies to eradicate the threat of little fire ants that other counties can implement.

     (b)  The little fire ant pilot project shall end on June 30, 2015.  The department shall submit a report to the legislature detailing its findings and recommendations regarding the pilot project, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2016.

     SECTION 3.  The county of Hawaii may hire personnel necessary for the little fire ant pilot project, including, at a minimum, one part-time caretaker II position and two part-time caretaker I positions.

     SECTION 4.  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 2014-2015 for a grant-in-aid to the county of Hawaii's department of parks and recreation to establish a little fire ant pilot project, including hiring necessary personnel and purchasing necessary pesticides and equipment, to address the little fire ant threat to Hawaii and develop strategies that can be implemented statewide to eradicate the little fire ant.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the county of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.

Report Title:

Little Fire Ants; Pilot Project; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes and appropriates an unspecified amount to the county of Hawaii for a little fire ant pilot project to research solutions for addressing the little fire ant threat in Hawaii.  Effective 7/1/2050.  (SD2)

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