HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

481

TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2017

H.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

S.D. 1

 

 

 

 

 

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.  The little fire ant, by far one of Hawaii's worst invasive pests, is not only bothersome to residents, visitors, and farmers because of its nasty sting, it also harms agriculture and natural areas by nurturing other invasive pests such as aphids, mealybugs, soft scale insects, and whiteflies.

     The legislature further finds that when compared to the other counties, the county of Hawaii has been affected the most by the little fire ant.  The University of Hawaii, the county of Hawaii, and the department of agriculture must collaborate to develop and implement effective measures to address the impacts of the little fire ant in the county of Hawaii.

     The purpose of this Act is to establish a pilot pesticide treatment coupon project within the department of agriculture and appropriate funds for this purpose.

     SECTION 2.  The department of agriculture shall establish and implement a pilot pesticide treatment coupon project.  The pilot project shall distribute coupons redeemable for appropriate pesticides at suppliers or vendors within the county of Hawaii at no cost to individuals who have reported and verified to the department the presence of little fire ants on their property within the county of Hawaii.  Each coupon shall be valid for a one-year supply of the department's recommended treatment plan, including supplies and equipment purchased from private companies; provided that the value of the coupon shall not exceed the cost of a one-year supply of the department's recommended treatment plan.  The department shall provide each individual with information on the proper usage and health and safety precautions regarding the department's recommended treatment plan.

     SECTION 3.  The department of agriculture shall submit a report on its progress in implementing the mandates of this Act, its findings and recommendations on whether the pilot project should be continued, terminated, or modified, and any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2018.

     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 2017-2018 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2018-2019 for the little fire ant pilot pesticide treatment coupon project 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 5.  This Act shall take effect on January 28, 2081.

 



 

Report Title:

Little Fire Ant; Appropriation

 

Description:

Requires the Department of Agriculture to establish a pilot pesticide treatment coupon project for the county of Hawaii.  Requires report to the Legislature on project implementation.  Appropriates funds.  Takes effect 1/28/2081.  (SD1)

 

 

 

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