| 47 | | - | SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the two-lined spittlebug is an invasive insect that attacks key forage grasses used by the livestock ranching industry. In 2016, the State's first two-lined spittlebug infestation was discovered in Kailua-Kona on the island of Hawaii, where the pest damaged nearly two thousand acres of pastureland. Grasses damaged by two-lined spittlebug infestations are often completely destroyed by the pests and must be replanted. The legislature further finds that two-lined spittlebug infestations have reduced the quality of forage pastures in Hawaii by reducing their nutritional value, palatability, and productivity. Infestations of the pest also promote the establishment of weeds and lower-quality foraging grasses. Monthly surveys conducted on the island of Hawaii since 2017 show that the two-lined spittlebug is rapidly expanding and, as of September 2021, infests more than two hundred seventy-eight square miles of land. The legislature further finds that livestock ranching is a highly productive and extremely valuable industry on all of Hawaii's major islands. The State's livestock industry produces an estimated annual value of more than $68,000,000, with over one hundred forty-two thousand beef cattle on more than one thousand three hundred ranches. Collectively, these ranches cover more than twenty per cent of the State's land area. The legislature further finds that the expanding livestock industry serves as an economic engine for the State and is a major employer for local communities. This is particularly true on the island of Hawaii, where nearly sixty per cent of the State's cattle are raised. Additionally, seventy per cent of all beef cattle in Hawaii are raised on sod-forming grasses, such as kikuyu and pangola. Consequently, two-lined spittlebugs threaten jobs and food security in the State, making it crucial to address infestation and restrict further spread. Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to mitigate and control the two-lined spittle bug and to fund recovery efforts. SECTION 2. The department of agriculture shall submit a report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2023. The report shall: (1) Document the expenditure of moneys appropriated by this Act; (2) Discuss the progress of activities to mitigate and control infestations of the two-lined spittlebug; and (3) Provide any findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation. SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2022-2023 for the department of agriculture to mitigate and control infestations of the two-lined spittlebug and undertake recovery efforts for lands damaged by the two-lined spittlebug. The department shall take measures, including the use of insecticides, weed management, and reseeding pastures, as necessary to reduce the population of two-lined spittlebugs and assist in recovery efforts. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act. SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050. |
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| 47 | + | SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the two-lined spittlebug is an invasive insect that attacks key forage grasses used by the livestock ranching industry. In 2016, the State's first two-lined spittlebug infestation was discovered in Kailua-Kona on the island of Hawaii, where the pest damaged nearly two thousand acres of pastureland. Grasses damaged by two-lined spittlebug infestations are often completely destroyed by the pests and must be replanted. The legislature further finds that two-lined spittlebug infestations have reduced the quality of forage pastures in Hawaii by reducing their nutritional value, palatability, and productivity. Infestations of the pest also promote the establishment of weeds and lower-quality foraging grasses. Monthly surveys conducted on the island of Hawaii since 2017 show that the two-lined spittlebug is rapidly expanding and, as of September 2021, infests more than two hundred seventy-eight square miles of land. The legislature further finds that livestock ranching is a highly productive and extremely valuable industry on all of Hawaii's major islands. The State's livestock industry produces an estimated annual value of more than $68,000,000, with over one hundred forty-two thousand beef cattle on more than one thousand three hundred ranches. Collectively, these ranches cover more than twenty per cent of the State's land area. The legislature further finds that the expanding livestock industry serves as an economic engine for the State and is a major employer for local communities. This is particularly true on the island of Hawaii, where nearly sixty per cent of the State's cattle are raised. Additionally, seventy per cent of all beef cattle in Hawaii are raised on sod-forming grasses, such as kikuyu and pangola. Consequently, two-lined spittlebugs threaten jobs and food security in the State, making it crucial to address infestation and restrict further spread. Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to mitigate and control the two-lined spittle bug and to fund recovery efforts. SECTION 2. The department of agriculture shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2023. The report shall document the expenditure of funds and the progress of activities to mitigate and control infestations of the two-lined spittlebug funded by this Act. SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1,200,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2022-2023 for the department of agriculture to mitigate and control infestations of the two-lined spittlebug and undertake recovery efforts for lands damaged by the two-lined spittlebug. The department shall take measures, such as the use of insecticides, weed management, and reseeding pastures, to reduce the population of two-lined spittlebugs and assist in recovery efforts. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act. SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2022. INTRODUCED BY: _____________________________ |
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