Bill > SB548

This bill addresses Hawaii's invasive species management by appropriating funds for the Hawaii Invasive Species Council (HISC), a statewide coordinating body established in 2003 to combat harmful non-native species. The bill highlights the council's critical work in addressing pests like little fire ants, coqui frogs, and fungi causing rapid ohia death, and preventing new invasive species from entering the state. Currently, the HISC receives approximately $5,750,000 annually, with about 90% redirected to competitive grants, but this funding has remained unchanged for four years and covers less than half of proposed grant requests. The legislation recognizes the challenges posed by inflation, high business costs, and the need to attract qualified staff, which limit the council's ability to eradicate rather than merely contain invasive species. The bill seeks to appropriate an unspecified sum of money for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to be administered by the Department of Land and Natural Resources, with the goal of supporting the Native Resources and Fire Protection Program and the Hawaii Invasive Species Council in their efforts to control and eliminate invasive species in the state. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2050.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=548&year=2026