HB 2139: UH; Invasive Species; Queensland Longhorn Beetle; Study; Appropriation

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO INVASIVE SPECIES.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the Acalolepta aesthetica, or Queensland longhorn beetle, is native to Australia, was initially found in Hawaii in 2009, and was first associated with a local plant in 2014 when it was found on an ulu in Puna.  Since then, the Queensland longhorn beetle's known host range has expanded to nearly twenty known host species in the State and has spread across east Hawaii Island, now found as far north as Honokaa.

     The legislature further finds that the Queensland longhorn beetle targets many agriculturally important plants such as ulu, cacao, avocado, and citrus, and culturally significant trees like kukui.  The adult beetles lay their eggs on the trunk of the tree, and the larvae hatch and bore into the tree to remain for several months, causing significant damage as they grow and bore through.  The beetles then complete their life cycle by pupating within the tree and emerging as an adult, leaving a penny-sized exit hole in the tree, which in many cases kills the tree.

     The legislature believes that if populations of the Queensland longhorn beetle are left unchecked, the beetles will spread statewide and cause significant losses in crops, the extinction of native species, and the destruction of native forests.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the university of Hawaii to conduct a study on effective treatment methods to reduce populations of the Queensland longhorn beetle.

     SECTION 2.  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 to conduct a study on effective treatment methods to reduce populations of the Queensland longhorn beetle.

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

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 31, 2055.

Report Title:

UH; Invasive Species; Queensland Longhorn Beetle; Study; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds to the University of Hawaii to conduct a study on effective treatment methods to reduce populations of the Queensland Longhorn Beetle.  Effective 7/31/2055.  (SD1)

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 INVASIVE SPECIES.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the Acalolepta aesthetica, or Queensland longhorn beetle, is native to Australia, was initially found in Hawaii in 2009, and was first associated with a local plant in 2014 when it was found on an ʻulu in Puna.  Since then, the Queensland longhorn beetle's known host range has expanded to nearly twenty known host species in the State and has spread across east Hawaii Island, now found as far north as Honokaʻa.

     The legislature further finds that the Queensland longhorn beetle targets many agriculturally important plants such as ʻulu, cacao, avocado, and citrus, and culturally significant trees like kukui.  The adult beetles lay their eggs on the trunk of the tree, and the larvae hatch and bore into the tree to remain for several months, causing significant damage as they grow and bore through.  The beetles then complete their life cycle by pupating within the tree and emerging as an adult, leaving a penny-sized exit hole in the tree, which in many cases kills the tree.

     The legislature believes that if populations of the Queensland longhorn beetle are left unchecked, the beetles will spread statewide and cause significant losses in crops, the extinction of native species, and the destruction of native forests.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the university of Hawaii to conduct a study on effective treatment methods to reduce populations of the Queensland longhorn beetle.

     SECTION 2.  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 to conduct a study on effective treatment methods to reduce populations of the Queensland longhorn beetle.

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

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

University of Hawaii; Invasive Species; Queensland Longhorn Beetle; Study; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds to the University of Hawaii to conduct a study on effective treatment methods to reduce populations of the Queensland Longhorn Beetle.  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 invasive species.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the Acalolepta aesthetica, or Queensland longhorn beetle, is native to Australia, was initially found in Hawaii in 2009, and was first associated with a local plant in 2014 when it was found on an ʻulu in Puna.  Since then, the Queensland longhorn beetle's known host range has expanded to nearly twenty known host species in the State and has spread across east Hawaii Island, now found as far north as Honokaʻa.

     The legislature further finds that the Queensland longhorn beetle targets many agriculturally important plants such as ʻulu, cacao, avocado, and citrus, and culturally significant trees like kukui.  The adult beetles lay their eggs on the trunk of the tree, and the larvae hatch and bore into the tree to remain for several months, causing significant damage as they grow and bore through.  The beetles then complete their life cycle by pupating within the tree and emerging as an adult, leaving a penny-sized exit hole in the tree, which in many cases kills the tree.

     The legislature believes that if populations of the Queensland longhorn beetle are left unchecked, the beetles will spread statewide and cause significant losses in crops, the extinction of native species, and the destruction of native forests.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the university of Hawaii to conduct a study on effective treatment methods to reduce populations of the Queensland longhorn beetle.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $138,443 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the university of Hawaii to conduct a study on effective treatment methods to reduce populations of the Queensland longhorn beetle.

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

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

Report Title:

University of Hawaii; Invasive Species; Queensland Longhorn Beetle; Study; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds to the University of Hawaii to conduct a study on effective treatment methods to reduce populations of the Queensland Longhorn Beetle.

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.  782-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2026

RE:   H.B. No. 2139

      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 Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 2139, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO INVASIVE SPECIES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds to the University of Hawaii to conduct a study on effective treatment methods to reduce populations of the Queensland longhorn beetle.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity; Department of Land and Natural Resources; University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Oʻahu Invasive Species Committee; Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species; Hawaiʻi Floriculture and Nursery Association; Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy; Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United; Big Island Invasive Species Committee; and numerous individuals.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2139, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  477-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2026

RE:   H.B. No. 2139

      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. 2139, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO INVASIVE SPECIES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds to the University of Hawaii to conduct a study on effective treatment methods to reduce populations of the Queensland longhorn beetle.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources; University of Hawaiʻi System; Hawaii Floriculture & Nursery Association; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species; Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy; Big Island Invasive Species Committee; Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United; Mauna Kea Cacao LLC; and nine individuals.

     Your Committee finds that while the Acalolepta aesthetica, or Queensland longhorn beetle, was once endemic to Australia, it has made its way to the Hawaiian islands, targeting many of the State's agriculturally important plants and culturally significant trees.  Your Committee further finds that there have now been sightings of these beetles on Oahu, a sign that they are rapidly spreading from where they were first discovered on Hawaii Island.  This measure allows the State to take early action against the invasive species before it can do more damage to Hawaii's ecosystems.

     Your Committee respectfully requests your Committee on Finance, should it deliberate on this measure, to consider an appropriation amount of $138,443.

     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. 2139, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

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

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  170-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2026

RE:   H.B. No. 2139

      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 Agriculture & Food Systems, to which was referred H.B. No. 2139 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO INVASIVE SPECIES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds to the University of Hawaii to conduct a study on effective treatment methods to reduce populations of the Queensland longhorn beetle.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources; Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity; University of Hawaiʻi College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience; Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association; Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United; Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy; Big Island Invasive Species Committee; Ka Ohana O Na Pua; and numerous individuals.

     Your Committee finds that the Acalolepta aesthetica, or Queensland longhorn beetle, is native to Australia, was initially found in Hawaii in 2009, and was first associated with a local plant in 2014 when it was found on an ʻulu in Puna.  The Queensland longhorn beetle's known host range has since expanded to nearly twenty known host species in Hawaii and has spread across east Hawaii Island, now found as far north as Honokaʻa.

     Your Committee further finds that the Queensland longhorn beetle targets many agriculturally important plants and culturally significant trees like kukui, causing significant damage to the plant life.  If left unchecked, the Queensland longhorn beetle will spread statewide and cause significant losses in crops, the extinction of native species, and the destruction of native forests.  This measure appropriates funds to the University of Hawaii to research effective treatment methods that will reduce the Queensland longhorn beetle population and protect Hawaii's ecosystems.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Changing the appropriation to an unspecified amount; and

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

     Your Committee respectfully requests your Committee on Finance, should it deliberate on this measure, to consider an appropriation amount of $138,443 to conduct the study on effective treatment methods to reduce populations of the Queensland longhorn beetle.

     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. 2139, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2139, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Higher Education.

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