Hawaii House Bill HB1220

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/25
• Refer: 1/27/25
• Report Pass: 2/10/25
• Refer: 2/10/25
• Report Pass: 2/28/25
• Engrossed: 2/28/25
• Refer: 3/4/25
• Report Pass: 3/21/25
• Refer: 3/21/25
• Report Pass: 4/4/25
• Report Pass: 4/25/25
• Enrolled: 5/1/25
• Chaptered: 5/27/25
• Passed: 5/27/25

Caption

Relating To Invasive Species.

Impact

This bill appropriates $200,000 from the state's general revenues over two fiscal years (2025-2026 and 2026-2027) to support the Department of Land and Natural Resources' Division of Aquatic Resources in its removal efforts. The bill outlines a phased approach to the removal strategy, including both chemical methods and physical eradication techniques. By providing funding for personnel, materials, equipment, and community outreach, the legislation aims to mitigate the harmful effects of the majano anemone and restore the health of Kaneohe Bay's coral reefs and ecosystems.

Summary

House Bill 1220 addresses a significant environmental concern in Hawaii regarding the invasive species Anemonia majano, known as the majano anemone. Detected in Kaneohe Bay during monitoring of non-native coral removal, this species poses a severe threat to local coral reef ecosystems, especially the finger coral Porites compressa. The rapid growth and aggressive nature of the majano anemone can lead to degradation of the reef's health, impacting fish habitats and marine biodiversity, with potential disruption of ecosystem services crucial for coastal communities dependent on these environments.

Sentiment

Support for HB 1220 is likely to stem from environmental advocates and local communities who recognize the critical need for proactive measures to protect Hawaii's unique marine environments. The threat posed by the majano anemone to marine life and the ecological balance of the reef lends urgency to the need for legislative action. However, as with many environmental bills, there could be discussions surrounding the effectiveness of the proposed measures and the allocation of funding, which may lead to varied opinions about the bill's overall efficacy.

Contention

One notable point of contention may revolve around the methods proposed for removing the majano anemone. While the use of chemical treatments could be seen as necessary to control the invasive species, there may also be concerns about their impact on the broader ecological environment and the health of the coral and marine life. Ensuring that removal strategies are environmentally sound and do not introduce additional risks will be a critical aspect of the bill's implementation.