Bill > HB643

This bill addresses the management of the coconut rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros), an invasive pest that threatens Hawaii's palm species and agricultural ecosystem. The bill establishes short-term management initiatives for the coconut rhinoceros beetle response program, which is a collaborative effort involving the University of Hawaii, the US Department of Agriculture, and the Hawaii Department of Agriculture. The key provisions include engaging with and training tree trimmers, arborists, and landscaping professionals through annual workshops; subsidizing canopy treatments for residential palm owners; extending response program services to additional Hawaiian islands when beetles are detected; conducting canine inspections of high-risk cargo moving between islands; and continuing research focused on biocontrol methods. The bill appropriates funds for these initiatives, including support for training, treatments, response team deployment, cargo inspections, drone acquisition, and biocontrol research positions. Specifically, the bill requires grant applicants for canopy treatments to meet strict compliance and non-discrimination requirements, and mandates that funds be exclusively used for beetle control efforts. The legislation aims to prevent further spread of the coconut rhinoceros beetle and develop long-term population suppression strategies, recognizing the pest's potential devastating impact on Hawaii's agricultural and ecological systems.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=643&year=2026