THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2367
THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2020		S.D. 1
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 invasion of Hawaii by insects, disease-bearing organisms, snakes, weeds, and other pests is the single greatest threat to the State's economy and natural environment and to the health and lifestyle of the people of Hawaii. Pests already cause millions of dollars in crop losses, the extinction of native species, the destruction of native forests, and the spread of disease, but many more harmful pests now threaten to invade Hawaii and cause more damage. Stopping the influx of new pests and containing their spread are essential to the State's current and future well-being.

The legislature further recognizes the efforts made by the department of land and natural resources' division of forestry and wildlife, Maui branch, and the Maui invasive species committee to control high-threat invasive species throughout Maui county, especially efforts in east Maui to control miconia, a fast-growing weedy tree that can increase erosion and landslides due to its shallow root system. It is estimated that approximately 37,000 acres throughout east Maui could contain miconia, which poses a threat to the local environment, cultural practices, and economy.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for:

(1) Establishment of invasive species technician positions for the department of land and natural resources' division of forestry and wildlife in east Maui to control invasive species, like miconia, from negatively impacting the environment and economy;

(2) Efforts to substantially reduce and eradicate the problem of invasive species in the county of Maui; and

(3) Activities relating to the proper management, but not eradication, of the axis deer population in Maui county.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $500,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2020-2021 for establishing five permanent full-time equivalent (5.0 FTE) invasive species technician positions at the department of land and natural resources' division of forestry and wildlife, Maui branch, to address invasive plants and animals in east Maui.

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 $2,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2020-2021 for efforts to substantially reduce and eradicate invasive species in the county of Maui.

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

SECTION 4. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $3,500,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2020-2021 for activities relating to the proper management, but not eradication, of the axis deer population in Maui county.

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

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2020.

Report Title:

Invasive Species; East Maui; Division of Forestry and Wildlife; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds to the department of land and natural resources' division of forestry and wildlife, Maui branch, for invasive species technician positions in east Maui to address invasive plants and animals, efforts to substantially reduce and eradicate invasive species in the county of Maui, and activities relating to the proper management, but not eradication, of the axis deer population in Maui county. (SD1)

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