Bill Text: HI SB685 | 2019 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Relating To Invasive Species.
Spectrum: Strong Partisan Bill (Democrat 13-1)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2019-02-15 - Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM. [SB685 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2019-SB685-Introduced.html
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
685 |
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THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2019 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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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 Hawai‘i 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 Hawai‘i. 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 Hawai‘i 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 provide funds to establish 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.
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 2019-2020 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2020-2021 to establish 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. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2019.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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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.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
