HB 1951: UH College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience; Center on Biosecurity Research, Education, and Extension; Appropriation

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO BIOSECURITY.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that invasive species pose a serious threat to Hawaii's agriculture, urban landscapes, and natural ecosystems.  The coconut rhinoceros beetle has decimated the coconut palm industry on the island of Oahu and is spreading to other islands, altering the landscape aesthetics and threatening food production.  Coffee berry borer and coffee leaf rust have substantially reduced coffee production in the State, and the two-lined spittle bug is devastating pastures, which threatens the viability of Hawaii's livestock industry.  Invasive mammals and birds, such as axis deer, wild pigs, wild goats, and rose-ringed parakeets, are devastating agricultural and natural ecosystems in the counties of Maui, Hawaii, and Kauai.  Additionally, the coqui frog is causing noise pollution and threatening the State's native and endangered species.

     The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the university of Hawaii at Manoa college of tropical agriculture and human resilience to establish a center on biosecurity research, education, and extension to develop and implement innovative solutions for detecting, monitoring, eradicating, and managing invasive species.

     SECTION 2.  The university of Hawaii at Manoa college of tropical agriculture and human resilience shall establish a center on biosecurity research, education, and extension to develop and implement innovative solutions for detecting, monitoring, eradicating, and managing invasive species by working with experts across the university of Hawaii system to:

     (1)  Develop predictive risk assessment and spread models for anticipated invasive species to guide the State's proactive biosecurity response plans;

     (2)  Develop rapid detection methods, tracking systems, and eradication protocols for invasive species;

     (3)  Develop and implement area-wide and community-based solutions, including the use of canines, to detect, eradicate, and manage invasive species in collaboration with the department of agriculture and biosecurity and other agencies and organizations;

     (4)  Identify chemical control options through the IR-4 project and work with the department of agriculture and biosecurity to register the options in Hawaii;

     (5)  Identify and evaluate biocontrol agents under biocontainment and coordinate their multiplication and release for managing invasive species;

     (6)  Provide rapid pest and disease diagnostics through the university of Hawaii at Manoa college of tropical agriculture and human resilience's plant pest and disease diagnostics and animal disease diagnostics labs;

     (7)  Disseminate data and information to the public through a dedicated website and public campaigns through the university of Hawaii at Manoa college of tropical agriculture and human resilience's cooperative extension;

     (8)  Collaborate with governmental, non-profit, and for-profit organizations in developing useful byproducts from established invasive species, including but not limited to timber, fiber, meat, animal feed, biofertilizer, and biochar; and

     (9)  Develop a certificate and a one-year professional master's degree in biosecurity.

     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 2026-2027 for the university of Hawaii at Manoa college of tropical agriculture and human resilience to establish a center on biosecurity research, education, and extension, to be allocated as follows:

     (1)  $           for planning and design;

     (2)  $           for design, plans, and construction of biocontainment labs and greenhouses;

     (3)  $           for design, plans, and construction of a standard office and laboratory building and an outdoor canine facility for detector dogs; and

     (4)  $           to establish two full-time equivalent (2.0 FTE) extension agents in wildlife and weed management, one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) risk assessment/spread modeling scientist, one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) data manager, one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) website and information dissemination specialist, three full-time equivalent (3.0 FTE) administrative professional technical laboratory technicians, one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) administrative professional technical fiscal support specialist, and one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) administrative professional technical office support.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the university of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

UH College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience; Center on Biosecurity Research, Education, and Extension; Appropriation

Description:

Requires the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience to establish a Center on Biosecurity Research, Education, and Extension to develop and implement innovative solutions for detecting, monitoring, eradicating, and managing invasive species.  Appropriates funds.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD2)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO BIOSECURITY.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that invasive species pose a serious threat to Hawaii's agriculture, urban landscapes, and natural ecosystems.  The coconut rhinoceros beetle has decimated the coconut palm industry on the island of Oahu and is spreading to other islands, altering the landscape aesthetics and threatening food production.  Coffee berry borer and coffee leaf rust have substantially reduced coffee production in the State, and the two-lined spittle bug is devastating pastures, which threatens the viability of Hawaii's livestock industry.  Invasive mammals and birds, such as axis deer, wild pigs, wild goats, and rose-ringed parakeets, are devastating agricultural and natural ecosystems in the counties of Maui, Hawaii, and Kauai.  Additionally, the coqui frog is causing noise pollution and threatening the State's native and endangered species.

     The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the university of Hawaii at Manoa college of tropical agriculture and human resilience to establish a center on biosecurity research, education, and extension to develop and implement innovative solutions for detecting, monitoring, eradicating, and managing invasive species.

     SECTION 2.  The university of Hawaii at Manoa college of tropical agriculture and human resilience shall establish a center on biosecurity research, education, and extension to develop and implement innovative solutions for detecting, monitoring, eradicating, and managing invasive species by:

     (1)  Developing predictive risk assessment and spread models for anticipated invasive species to guide the State's proactive biosecurity response plans;

     (2)  Develop rapid detection methods, tracking systems, and eradication protocols for invasive species;

     (3)  Develop and implement area-wide and community-based solutions, including the use of canines, to detect, eradicate, and manage invasive species in collaboration with the department of agriculture and biosecurity and other agencies and organizations;

     (4)  Identify chemical control options through the IR-4 program and work with the department of agriculture and biosecurity to register them in Hawaii;

     (5)  Identify and evaluate biocontrol agents under biocontainment and coordinate their multiplication and release for managing invasive species;

     (6)  Provide rapid pest and disease diagnostics through the university of Hawaii at Manoa college of tropical agriculture and human resilience's plant pest and disease diagnostics and animal disease diagnostics labs;

     (7)  Disseminate data and information to the public through a dedicated website and public campaigns through the university of Hawaii at Manoa college of tropical agriculture and human resilience's cooperative extension;

     (8)  Collaborate with governmental, non-profit, and for-profit organizations in developing useful byproducts from established invasive species, including but not limited to timber, fiber, meat, animal feed, biofertilizer, and biochar; and

     (9)  Develop a certificate and a one-year professional master's degree in biosecurity.

     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 2026-2027 for the university of Hawaii at Manoa college of tropical agriculture and human resilience to establish a center on biosecurity research, education, and extension, to be allocated as follows:

     (1)  $           for planning and design;

     (2)  $           for design, plans, and construction of biocontainment labs and greenhouses;

     (3)  $           for design, plans, and construction of a standard office and laboratory building and an outdoor canine facility for detector dogs; and

     (4)  $           to establish two full-time equivalent (2.0 FTE) extension agents in wildlife and weed management, one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) risk assessment/spread modeling scientist, one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) data manager, one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) website and information dissemination specialist, three full-time equivalent (3.0 FTE) administrative professional technical laboratory technicians, one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) administrative professional technical fiscal support specialist, and one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) administrative professional technical office support.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the university of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

UH College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience; Center for Biosecurity Research, Education, and Extension; Appropriation

Description:

Requires the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience to establish a Center for Biosecurity Research, Education, and Extension to develop and implement innovative solutions for detecting, monitoring, eradicating, and managing invasive species.  Appropriates funds.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to biosecurity.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that invasive species pose a serious threat to Hawaii's agriculture, urban landscapes, and natural ecosystems.  The coconut rhinoceros beetle has decimated the coconut palm industry on the island of Oahu and is spreading to other islands, altering the landscape aesthetics and threatening food production.  Coffee berry borer and coffee leaf rust have substantially reduced coffee production in the State, and the two-lined spittle bug is devastating pastures, which threatens the viability of Hawaii's livestock industry.  Invasive mammals and birds, such as axis deer, wild pigs, wild goats, and rose-ringed parakeets, are devastating agricultural and natural ecosystems in the counties of Maui, Hawaii, and Kauai.  Additionally, the coqui frog is causing noise pollution and threatening the State's native and endangered species.

     The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the university of Hawaii at Manoa college of tropical agriculture and human resilience to establish a center on biosecurity research, education, and extension to develop and implement innovative solutions for detecting, monitoring, eradicating, and managing invasive species.

     SECTION 2.  The university of Hawaii at Manoa college of tropical agriculture and human resilience shall establish a center on biosecurity research, education, and extension to develop and implement innovative solutions for detecting, monitoring, eradicating, and managing invasive species by:

     (1)  Developing predictive risk assessment and spread models for anticipated invasive species to guide the State's proactive biosecurity response plans;

     (2)  Develop rapid detection methods, tracking systems, and eradication protocols for invasive species;

     (3)  Develop and implement area-wide and community-based solutions, including the use of canines, to detect, eradicate, and manage invasive species in collaboration with the department of agriculture and biosecurity and other agencies and organizations;

     (4)  Identify chemical control options through the IR-4 program and work with the department of agriculture and biosecurity to register them in Hawaii;

     (5)  Identify and evaluate biocontrol agents under biocontainment and coordinate their multiplication and release for managing invasive species;

     (6)  Provide rapid pest and disease diagnostics through the university of Hawaii at Manoa college of tropical agriculture and human resilience's plant pest and disease diagnostics and animal disease diagnostics labs;

     (7)  Disseminate data and information to the public through a dedicated website and public campaigns through the university of Hawaii at Manoa college of tropical agriculture and human resilience's cooperative extension;

     (8)  Collaborate with governmental, non-profit, and for-profit organizations in developing useful byproducts from established invasive species, including but not limited to timber, fiber, meat, animal feed, biofertilizer, and biochar; and

     (9)  Develop a certificate and a one-year professional master's degree in biosecurity.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $45,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the university of Hawaii at Manoa college of tropical agriculture and human resilience to establish a center on biosecurity research, education, and extension, to be allocated as follows:

     (1)  $25,000,000 for design, plans, and construction of biocontainment labs and greenhouses;

     (2)  $18,000,000 for design, plans, and construction of a standard office and laboratory building and an outdoor canine facility for detector dogs; and

     (3)  $2,000,000 to establish two full-time equivalent (2.0 FTE) extension agents in wildlife and weed management, one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) risk assessment/spread modeling scientist, one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) data manager, one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) website and information dissemination specialist, three full-time equivalent (3.0 FTE) administrative professional technical laboratory technicians, one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) administrative professional technical fiscal support specialist, and one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) administrative professional technical office support.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the university of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

Report Title:

UH College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience; Center for Biosecurity Research, Education, and Extension; Appropriation

Description:

Requires the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience to establish a Center for Biosecurity Research, Education, and Extension to develop and implement innovative solutions for detecting, monitoring, eradicating, and managing invasive species.  Appropriates funds.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  591-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2026

RE:   H.B. No. 1951

      H.D. 2

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems, to which was referred H.B. No. 1951, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO BIOSECURITY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds to the University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience to establish a Center on Biosecurity Research, Education, and Extension to develop and implement innovative solutions for detecting, monitoring, eradicating, and managing invasive species.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity; Department of Land and Natural Resources; Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association; Hawaii Crop Improvement Association; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy; Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; Conservation Council for Hawaiʻi; Oʻahu Invasive Species Committee; and four individuals.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from Hawaiʻi Unites.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the University of Hawaiʻi System.

     Your Committee finds that invasive species present a significant risk to the State's agriculture, urban environments, and natural ecosystems.  Your Committee further finds that establishing a Center for Biosecurity Research, Education, and Extension that is focused on detection, management, and monitoring of invasive species will significantly enhance the State's ability to respond to invasive species and improve mitigation efforts to protect agriculture, safeguard natural resources, and support Hawaii's agricultural goals.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Clarifying that the Center on Biosecurity Research, Education, and Extension shall work with experts across the University of Hawaii System to develop and implement innovative solutions for detecting, monitoring, eradicating, and managing invasive species; and

     (2)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1951, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1951, H.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  124-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2026

RE:   H.B. No. 1951

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Higher Education, to which was referred H.B. No. 1951 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO BIOSECURITY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds to the University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience to establish a Center for Biosecurity Research, Education, and Extension to develop and implement innovative solutions for detecting, monitoring, eradicating, and managing invasive species.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from University of Hawaiʻi System; Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity; Department of Land and Natural Resources; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council Inc.; The Nature Conservancy; Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association; East Oahu County Farm Bureau; Hawaii Crop Improvement Association; and six individuals.

     Your Committee finds that invasive species continue to cause severe and increasing damage to Hawaii's agricultural production, ranching lands, and native ecosystems, threatening food security, economic stability, and environmental health statewide.  Your Committee further finds that establishing a dedicated Center for Biosecurity Research, Education, and Extension will strengthen the State's ability to predict, detect, and manage invasive species through coordinated research, improved diagnostics, community‑based solutions, and workforce development.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1)  Changing the appropriation and allocation to unspecified amounts;

(2)  Clarifying that an allocation shall be used for the planning and design of the Center on Biosecurity Research, Education, and Extension; and

     (3)  Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Higher Education that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1951, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1951, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Higher Education,