Bill > SB686

This bill addresses the ongoing challenge of the coconut rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros) infestation in Hawaii by establishing short-term management initiatives for the University of Hawaii's response program. The bill recognizes the devastating impact of these beetles on palm species, which are crucial to Hawaii's agricultural and cultural landscape, and notes that the beetle was first detected in 2013 and is now established on multiple islands. The proposed management initiatives include engaging with industry professionals through annual training workshops, subsidizing canopy treatments for residential palm owners, extending response services to additional islands, conducting canine inspections of high-risk cargo, subsidizing container fumigation, and continuing biocontrol research. The bill appropriates funds for these activities across fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, allocating money for training, treatments, team deployments, inspections, and research positions. Importantly, the bill acknowledges that emergency federal funding is ending and seeks to provide stable funding to support key program positions and leverage additional federal resources. The University of Hawaii will manage grant applications and ensure compliance with various state and federal requirements, with the ultimate goal of controlling and potentially suppressing the coconut rhinoceros beetle population in Hawaii.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=686&year=2025