Bill Text: HI SB583 | 2015 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Agriculture; Macadamia Nut Trees; Macadamia Felted Coccid; Research and Development; Appropriation ($)
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 9-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2015-02-12 - Report adopted; Passed Second Reading and referred to WAM. [SB583 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2015-SB583-Introduced.html
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
583 |
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TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2015 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to agriculture.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that macadamia nuts are among the top five grossing agricultural commodities in Hawaii. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service, Hawaii harvested an estimated forty-four million pounds in macadamia nut crop for the 2012-2013 crop year. The estimated farm value of macadamia nuts for that same year is $35,200,000.
In March 2005, the macadamia felted coccid, Eriococcus ironsidei, was discovered on macadamia nut trees in south Kona. Originally from Australia, this insect can cause severe damage to macadamia nut trees when uncontrolled. Initially, insecticidal oils researched and recommended by the University of Hawaii college of tropical agriculture and human resources were effective at controlling the spread of these insects. However, infestations of macadamia felted coccid have now spread from south Kona to as far north as Honokaa, causing severe damage to orchards in the Pahala area. Although insecticidal oil treatment has been effective in controlling the insect in young macadamia trees, this treatment has proven ineffective on older macadamia nut trees due to size and heavy canopy. Since insecticidal oil is proving to be ineffective, farmers must develop new methods to control the infestation of the macadamia felted coccid.
Research is currently being done by the department of agriculture and the University of Hawaii college of tropical agriculture and human resources to develop new methods to control the macadamia felted coccid. The following research work is currently being conducted or planned:
(1) Investigation of the role of tree canopy modification and understory plants to encourage the presence of natural enemies to the macadamia felted coccid;
(2) Analysis of potential alternative pesticides;
(3) Examination of the impact of macadamia felted coccid on plant health and yield;
(4) Evaluation of action thresholds for macadamia felted coccid management;
(5) Assessment of the phenology of macadamia felted coccid in the field; and
(6) Identification and testing of biological control agents in Australia that could be introduced in Hawaii to control the macadamia felted coccid.
The legislature anticipates that the macadamia felted coccid will continue to spread to other regions and counties of Hawaii if uncontrolled and devastate the macadamia nut industry.
The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for research to develop new methods of preventing and treating macadamia felted coccid infestations.
SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2015-2016 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2016-2017 for the department of agriculture, in cooperation with the University of Hawaii college of tropical agriculture and human resources, to research and develop methods for the prevention and treatment of macadamia felted coccid.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2015.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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Report Title:
Agriculture; Macadamia Nut Trees; Macadamia Felted Coccid; Research and Development; Appropriation
Description:
Appropriates funds to the department of agriculture to research and develop methods for the prevention and treatment of macadamia felted coccid.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
