Bill Text: HI HB2123 | 2014 | Regular Session | Introduced

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Bill Title: Invasive Species; Appropriation; University of Hawaii ($)

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2014-01-23 - Referred to AGR, HED, FIN, referral sheet 5 [HB2123 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2014-HB2123-Introduced.html

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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2123
TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2014
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

making an appropriation for invasive species control.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that immediate action is needed to further protect Hawaii from invasive species.  Act 85, Session Laws of Hawaii 2003, created the invasive species council for the special purpose of providing policy level direction, coordination, and planning among state departments, federal agencies, and international and local initiatives for the control and eradication of harmful invasive species infestations throughout the State and for preventing the introduction of other invasive species that may be harmful.

     The State's five island-based invasive species committees protect Hawaii's forested watersheds, agriculture, tourism-based economy, natural and cultural resources, and health and lifestyle by preventing or stopping the spread of invasive species over hundreds of thousands of acres.  Collectively, the committees are responsible for much of the on-the-ground response and control work, and outreach and education across the State.  The committees are the only organizations that work island-wide to address incipient invasive species across multiple jurisdictions, including state, federal, county, and private lands.  The committees have utilized and leveraged state funding to:  eradicate, contain, or prevent the establishment of coqui frogs where feasible; contain or stop the spread of miconia and more than thirty other invasive plant, vertebrate, and invertebrate species; reduce or prevent the harm caused by axis deer; and educate, engage, and involve the public in detecting and reporting invasive species.  These efforts help avoid millions of dollars in future costs to Hawaii's watersheds, real estate, and tourism industry.  The committees are projects of the University of Hawaii Pacific cooperative studies unit.

     Successful detection and control of invasive species require consistent, repeat visits by highly trained staff to infested areas often in inhospitable terrain, with some areas accessible only by air.  Many of the most harmful invasive species take years to eradicate.

     The legislature finds that increased funding from the State is necessary to safeguard previous investments and ensure long-term success.  Federal sources have diminished and are expected to decline significantly in future years.  Maintaining the invasive species council's momentum on the most harmful invasive species will require an estimated $8,000,000 each year from all combined sources.

     The purpose of this Act is to make an appropriation to the invasive species council.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $6,200,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2014-2015 for the University of Hawaii Pacific cooperative studies unit to allocate to the invasive species committees for invasive species response and control, and outreach and education related to invasive species; provided that any administrative, indirect cost charged by the University of Hawaii for the administration of this program shall not exceed six per cent per year of the total amount appropriated.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the University of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

 

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

 

 

Report Title:

Invasive Species; Appropriation; University of Hawaii

 

Description:

Makes an appropriation for invasive species response and control, and outreach and education related to invasive species.

 

 

 

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