THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	1171
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025		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. Section 141-17, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"[[]§141-17[]] Fine meshed nets; invasive species; permissible; rules. (a) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, fine meshed nets, including monofilament netting of an appropriate mesh size, may be used for the protection of plants against invasive species, as determined by the department of agriculture; provided that the fine meshed nets shall be applied in a manner that is unlikely to entangle birds, become dislodged and enter water, or entangle or disturb native and beneficial animals, including but not limited to pollinators, ladybugs or lady beetles, and net-winged insects.

(b) The department of agriculture shall adopt rules in accordance with chapter 91 to implement this section, including but not limited to establishing requirements related to filament diameter, color, and the inclusion of visual cues to prevent non-targeted entanglement [and]; prohibiting the use of mist net material [that is used] designed for bird work[.]; and allowing the distribution and sale of fine meshed nets, including monofilament netting of an appropriate mesh size, to protect plants from invasive species."

SECTION 2. The department of agriculture shall establish a netting distribution program to provide monofilament netting of an appropriate mesh size, free of charge, to the public to slow the growth and spread of coconut rhinoceros beetles in the State. The department of agriculture shall be responsible for the distribution of the netting. The netting shall be visible and applied in a manner that is unlikely to entangle birds, become dislodged and enter water, or entangle or disturb native and beneficial animals.

SECTION 3. 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 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the establishment and implementation of the program established pursuant to section 2 of this Act.

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

SECTION 4. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.

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

Report Title:

DOA; Rules; Fine Mesh Nets; Free Net Program; Monofilament Netting; Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle; Appropriations

Description:

Requires the Department of Agriculture to establish rules allowing the sale and distribution of fine mesh nets in the State to protect plants from invasive species. Requires DOA to establish a program to provide certain monofilament netting free of charge to the public to slow the growth and spread of coconut rhinoceros beetles in the State. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

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