HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2469

TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2014

 

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.  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 to eradicate the threat of little fire ants that can be implemented statewide.

     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 detailing findings and recommendations, including proposed legislation, regarding the pilot project to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2016.

     SECTION 3.  The county of Hawaii shall have the authority to hire personnel necessary for the little fire ant pilot project.  The staff, at a minimum, shall consist of 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 $306,237 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 the necessary personnel, pesticides, and equipment, to address the little fire ant threat to Hawaii and develop strategies to eradicate the little fire ant that can be implemented statewide.

     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, 2014.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Little Fire Ants; Pilot Project; Appropriation

 

Description:

Establishes and appropriates funds for a little fire ant pilot project to research solutions for addressing the little fire ant threat in Hawaii.

 

 

 

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