SB 2321: DAB; Two-Lined Spittlebug Response Pilot Program; Invasive Species; Reports; Appropriation

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE TWO-LINED SPITTLEBUG.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the two-lined spittlebug (Prosapia bicincta) 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 unsalvageable 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.

     The legislature additionally finds that livestock ranching is a highly productive and extremely valuable industry on all of the State's major islands.  In 2023, the State's livestock industry had a production value of more than $50,000,000, with an inventory of over 143,000 head of beef cattle.  Collectively, ranchlands cover almost twenty per cent of the State's land area.

     The legislature concludes 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 most 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 establish a two-year two‑lined spittlebug response pilot program to mitigate and control the spread of the two-lined spittlebug.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  There is established within the department of agriculture and biosecurity a two-year two-lined spittlebug response pilot program.  The pilot program shall:

     (1)  Identify new areas of two-lined spittlebug infestation, determine population density, and develop a management plan for the infested area;

     (2)  Apply the use of insecticides, grazing, and other methods for weed management and reseeding pastures;

     (3)  Conduct a cost-benefit study of two-lined spittlebug mitigation techniques;

     (4)  Conduct outreach to state and county departments to reduce the movement of two-lined spittlebugs through heavy machinery;

     (5)  As necessary, take measures to reduce the population of two-lined spittlebugs and assist in recovery efforts; and

     (6)  Provide support for livestock ranchers' mitigation efforts, including reimbursement for approved two-lined spittlebug control measures, as determined by the department of agriculture and biosecurity.

     (b)  The department of agriculture and biosecurity shall submit a report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular sessions of 2027 and 2028.  The report shall:

     (1)  Document the expenditure of funds 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.

     (c)  The pilot program shall cease to exist on June 30, 2028.

     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 establishment and operation of the two-lined spittlebug response pilot program.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture and biosecurity for the purposes of this Act.

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

Report Title:

DAB; Two-Lined Spittlebug Response Pilot Program; Invasive Species; Reports; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes a two-year Two-Lined Spittlebug Response Pilot Program to mitigate and control the spread of the two-lined spittlebug.  Requires reports to the Legislature.  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 THE TWO-LINED SPITTLEBUG.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the two-lined spittlebug (Prosapia bicincta) 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 unsalvageable 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.

     The legislature additionally finds that livestock ranching is a highly productive and extremely valuable industry on all of the State's major islands.  In 2023, the State's livestock industry had a production value of more than $50,000,000, with an inventory of over 143,000 head of beef cattle.  Collectively, ranchlands cover almost twenty per cent of the State's land area.

     The legislature concludes 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 most 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 establish a two-year two‑lined spittlebug response pilot program to mitigate and control the spread of the two-lined spittlebug.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  There is established within the department of agriculture and biosecurity a two-year two-lined spittlebug response pilot program.  The pilot program shall:

     (1)  Identify new areas of infestation, determine population density, and develop a management plan for the infested area;

     (2)  Apply the use of insecticides, grazing, and other methods for weed management and reseeding pastures;

     (3)  Conduct a cost-benefit study of two-lined spittlebug mitigation techniques;

     (4)  Conduct outreach to state and county departments to reduce the movement of two-lined spittlebugs through heavy machinery;

     (5)  As necessary, take measures to reduce the population of two-lined spittlebugs and assist in recovery efforts; and

     (6)  Provide support for livestock ranchers' mitigation efforts, including reimbursement for approved two-lined spittlebug control measures, as determined by the department of agriculture and biosecurity.

     (b)  The department of agriculture and biosecurity shall submit a report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular sessions of 2027 and 2028.  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 2026-2027 for the establishment and operation of the two-lined spittlebug response pilot program.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture and biosecurity for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.

Report Title:

DAB; Two-Lined Spittlebug Response Pilot Program; Invasive Species; Reports; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes a two-year Two-Lined Spittlebug Response Pilot Program to mitigate and control the spread of the two-lined spittlebug.  Requires reports to the Legislature.  Appropriates funds.  Effective 7/1/2050.  (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 the two-lined spittlebug.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the two-lined spittlebug (Prosapia bicincta) 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 unsalvageable 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.

     The legislature additionally finds that livestock ranching is a highly productive and extremely valuable industry on all of the State's major islands.  In 2023, the State's livestock industry had a production value of more than $50,000,000, with an inventory of over one hundred forty-three thousand head of beef cattle.  Collectively, ranchlands cover almost twenty per cent of the State's land area.

     The legislature concludes that 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 most 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 establish a two‑lined spittlebug response pilot program to mitigate and control the spread of the two-lined spittlebug.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  There is established within the department of agriculture and biosecurity a two-year two-lined spittlebug response pilot program.  The pilot program shall:

     (1)  Identify new areas of infestation, determine population density, and develop a management plan for the infested area;

     (2)  Apply the use of insecticides, grazing, and other methods for weed management and reseeding pastures;

     (3)  Conduct a cost-benefit study of two-lined spittlebug mitigation techniques;

     (4)  Conduct outreach to state and county departments to reduce the movement of two-lined spittlebugs through heavy machinery;

     (5)  As necessary, take measures to reduce the population of two-lined spittlebugs and assist in recovery efforts; and

     (6)  Provide support for livestock ranchers' mitigation efforts, including reimbursement for approved two-lined spittlebug control measures, as determined by the department of agriculture and biosecurity.

     (b)  The department of agriculture and biosecurity shall submit a report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular sessions of 2027 and 2028.  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 2026-2027 for the establishment and operation of the two-lined spittlebug response pilot program.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture and biosecurity for the purposes of this Act.

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

Report Title:

DAB; Two-Lined Spittlebug Response Pilot Program; Invasive Species; Reports; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes a two-year Two-Lined Spittlebug Response Pilot Program to mitigate and control the spread of the two-lined spittlebug.  Requires reports to the Legislature.  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. 2972

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:     S.B. No. 2321

        S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2321, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE TWO-LINED SPITTLEBUG,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to protect pastureland in the State and support the livestock ranching industry by combatting invasive insect infestation of forage pastures.

     More specifically, this measure:

     (1)  Establishes a two-year two-lined spittlebug response pilot program within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity;

     (2)  Requires the Department to submit to the Legislature a report discussing the progress of the pilot program, accounting for moneys expended by the program, and providing findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, prior to the Regular Sessions of 2027 and 2028;

     (3)  Appropriates moneys for the pilot program.

     Your Committee received written testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, Big Island Invasive Species Committee, Hawaii Forest Association, Larry Jefts Farms LLC, Agriculture Stewardship Hawai'i, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union, Ponoholo Ranch, and four individuals.

     Your Committee finds that the two-lined spittlebug is a significant and immediate threat to the ranching industry in Hawaii.  This invasive insect has already damaged thousands of acres of essential pasture grasses, reducing available pasture vegetation and creating opportunities for invasive weeds to dominate the landscape and increase wildfire risks.  The pilot program established by this measure will work to respond to this threat in a timely and effective manner.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2321, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2185

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:     S.B. No. 2321

        S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred S.B. No. 2321 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE TWO-LINED SPITTLEBUG,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

     (1)  Establish a two-year Two-Lined Spittlebug Response Pilot Program to mitigate and control the spread of the two-lined spittlebug;

     (2)  Require reports to the Legislature; and

     (3)  Appropriate funds.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity; Department of Land and Natural Resources; Department of Research and Development of the County of Hawaiʻi; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United; Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species; Wall Ranch, Inc.; Larry Jefts Farms, LLC; Agriculture Stewardship Hawaiʻi; Triple S Livestock LLC; Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy; Kapapala Ranch; and twelve individuals.

     Your Committee finds that the two-lined spittlebug is an invasive insect that has been found to damage key agricultural grasslands.  Damaged rangelands can lead to the proliferation of invasive weed species and an increased risk for wildfires.  Your Committee further finds that the two-lined spittlebug has already decimated thousands of acres of foraging grasses in pastures used for cattle ranching.  Action is critical to curb the spread of this insect and further grassland damage.  This measure will help safeguard the State's ranching industry, food chains, and the State's ecosystem by mitigating the spread of the two-lined spittlebug.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Inserting an effective date of July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion; and

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

     Your Committee notes that this measure contains an unspecified appropriation amount.  Should your Committee on Ways and Means choose to deliberate on this measure, your Committee respectfully requests that it consider inserting an appropriation amount of $120,000 to establish and fund one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) program coordinator position to oversee and manage the Two-Lined Spittlebug Response Pilot Program.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture and Environment that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2321, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2321, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture and Environment,