Bill > SB2707

This bill establishes a Center for Biosecurity Research, Education, and Extension at the University of Hawaii at Manoa's College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience to combat the significant threat posed by invasive species to Hawaii's agriculture, ecosystems, and quality of life, by developing and implementing innovative solutions for detecting, monitoring, eradicating, and managing these pests. The center will focus on predictive risk assessments, rapid detection and eradication methods, community-based solutions, exploring chemical and biological control options, providing diagnostics, disseminating information to the public, collaborating on byproducts from invasive species, and developing educational programs including a certificate and a master's degree in biosecurity. To support these efforts, the bill appropriates $45,000,000 for fiscal year 2026-2027, which will be used for constructing specialized facilities like biocontainment labs and greenhouses, an office and laboratory building, an outdoor canine facility for detector dogs, and for hiring essential personnel such as extension agents, scientists, and support staff.

Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2707&year=2026