Bill > HB1951

This bill mandates the establishment of a Center on Biosecurity Research, Education, and Extension by the University of Hawaii at Manoa's College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience, with the goal of developing and implementing innovative strategies to combat invasive species that threaten Hawaii's agriculture, ecosystems, and quality of life, such as the coconut rhinoceros beetle, coffee berry borer, coqui frog, and various invasive mammals and birds. The center will focus on areas like predictive risk assessment, rapid detection and eradication methods, community-based management solutions, identifying chemical and biological control options, providing diagnostic services, disseminating information to the public through a dedicated website and extension programs, and exploring the creation of useful byproducts from invasive species, while also developing educational programs including a certificate and a master's degree in biosecurity. The bill also appropriates funds for the planning, design, and construction of necessary facilities, including biocontainment labs and greenhouses, as well as for staffing the center with various experts and support personnel, and it is set to take effect on July 1, 3000.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1951&year=2026