SB 686: RELATING TO THE COCONUT RHINOCEROS BEETLE PROGRAM.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE COCONUT RHINOCEROS BEETLE PROGRAM.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that Oryctes rhinoceros, or the coconut rhinoceros beetle, can have devastating impacts on palm species that are foundational to the State's agricultural economy, cultural heritage, and ecosystems.  Native to Southeast Asia, adult coconut rhinoceros beetles feed on emerging palm fronds, causing damage that can often be severe enough to kill the plant.  The coconut rhinoceros beetle was first detected in the State in 2013 and is now established on Oahu, with smaller infestations on the windward side of Kauai, Waikaloa village on Hawaii island, and throughout the State.

     The legislature further finds that the coconut rhinoceros beetle response program is a coordinated partnership among the university of Hawaii, United States Department of Agriculture, Hawaii department of agriculture, and other key organizations.  At the university of Hawaii at Manoa lab, the program investigates new control methods and best practices, and a data team analyzes information from traps, mulch surveys, and tree damage.  An outreach team also provides information to the public and professionals while supporting community response efforts.  While the expertise and methodology developed was not available at the start of the infestation on Oahu, it can now be deployed to prevent infestations on islands that are not yet infested.  For infested areas, the program currently educates arborists and tree trimmers to protect trees with contact pesticides.

     Additionally, the program is working on a long-term solution through a biocontrol, which has been found to be effective in other parts of the world.  The program is also working on permitting to bring in agents and hopes to host range studies in early 2026.  Researchers have a rearing colony of coconut rhinoceros beetles at the university and need to test whether the viral strains that kill the beetles affect any native species.  Once an appropriate strain is identified, it could be released on infected beetles to spread and suppress the population in the wild.

     The legislature additionally finds that emergency response funding from the United States Department of Agriculture is ending, as the infestation is no longer considered an emergency after more than ten years since initial detection in the State.  Stable year-to—year funding to the university of Hawaii to support key positions within the core coconut rhinoceros beetle response program would assist in leveraging additional federal funds.

     The legislature also finds that the establishment of short-term management initiatives in the coconut rhinoceros beetle response program within the university of Hawaii is a matter of statewide concern pursuant to article X, section 6, of the Hawaii State Constitution.

     The purpose of this Act is to:

     (1)  Establish short-term management initiatives for the coconut rhinoceros beetle response program; and

     (2)  Appropriate funds to support the coconut rhinoceros beetle response program's activities and positions.

     SECTION 2.  In its coconut rhinoceros beetle response program, the university of Hawaii shall incorporate the following short-term management initiatives:

     (1)  Engaging with tree trimmers, arborists, and the landscaping industry by educating them on the current best management practices and combating the misinformation circulating about coconut rhinoceros beetle treatment options; provided that annual workshops shall be held on each island; provided further that a list of companies that receive the training shall be posted online for use by consumers;

     (2)  Subsidizing canopy treatments for residential palm owners;

     (3)  Extending services by the coconut rhinoceros beetle response program to Hawaii island and the islands of Maui, Molokai, and Lanai when coconut rhinoceros beetles are detected;

     (4)  Performing canine inspections, in cooperation with the department of agriculture, on high-risk cargo moving between islands;

     (5)  Subsidizing container fumigation of high-risk materials traveling between islands; and

     (6)  Conducting research with an emphasis on biocontrol.

     SECTION 3.  Applications for grants subsidizing canopy treatment for residential palm owners and container fumigation of high-risk materials traveling between islands shall be made to the university of Hawaii and contain the information as shall be required by rules adopted thereunder.  At a minimum, the applicant shall:

     (1)  Be licensed or accredited, pursuant to federal, state, or county statutes, rules, or ordinances to conduct the activities or provide the services for which a grant is awarded;

     (2)  Provide a detailed planning outline the scope, objectives, and projected impact of the project or projects and a clear breakdown of how grant funds shall be utilized;

     (3)  Agree to use state funds exclusively for the purposes of these programs;

     (4)  Indicate capability to properly use the grant for the purpose of these grant programs; provided that the university of Hawaii shall prescribe the applicant qualifications for each grant;

     (5)  Comply with all applicable federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law;

     (6)  Agree to refrain from using state funds for purposes of entertainment or perquisites;

     (7)  Comply with other requirements as the university of Hawaii may prescribe;

     (8)  Comply with all applicable federal, state, and county statutes, rules, or ordinances;

     (9)  Agree to indemnify and save harmless the State and its officers, agents, and employees from and against any and all claims arising out of or resulting from activities carried out or projects undertaken with funds provided hereunder and procure sufficient insurance to provide this indemnification if requested to do so by the university of Hawaii; and

    (10)  Agree to make available to the university of Hawaii all records the applicant may have relating to the grant to allow state agencies to monitor the applicant's compliance with this section.

     SECTION 4.  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 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to be allocated as follows:

     (1)  $           for training tree trimmers, arborists, and the landscaping industry on the current best management practices about coconut rhinoceros beetles;

     (2)  $           for subsidizing canopy treatments for residential palm owners;

     (3)  $           for extending deployment of coconut rhinoceros beetle response teams to Hawaii island and the islands of Maui, Molokai, and Lanai when coconut rhinoceros beetles are detected;

     (4)  $           to perform canine inspections for coconut rhinoceros beetles for high-risk cargo moving between islands;

     (5)  $           for subsidizing container fumigation of high-risk materials traveling between islands; and

     (6)  $           for       full-time equivalent (      FTE) permanent positions for biocontrol research.

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

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on July 31, 2050.

Report Title:

UH; Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Response Program; Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle; Prevention; Appropriations

Description:

Establishes short-term management initiatives for the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Response Program.  Establishes standards for the usage of grants awarded pursuant to the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Response Program.  Appropriates funds to the University of Hawaii for activities and positions related to coconut rhinoceros beetle infestation control.  Effective 7/31/2050.  (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 coconut rhinoceros beetle program.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that Oryctes rhinoceros, or the coconut rhinoceros beetle, can have devastating impacts on palm species that are foundational to the State's agricultural economy, cultural heritage, and ecosystems.  Native to Southeast Asia, adult coconut rhinoceros beetles feed on emerging palm fronds, causing damage that can often be severe enough to kill the plant.  The coconut rhinoceros beetle was first detected in the State in 2013 and is now established on Oahu, with smaller infestations on the windward side of Kauai, Waikaloa village on Hawaii island, and throughout the State.

     The legislature further finds that the coconut rhinoceros beetle response program is a coordinated partnership among the university of Hawaii, United States Department of Agriculture, Hawaii department of agriculture, and other key organizations.  At the university of Hawaii at Manoa lab, the program investigates new control methods and best practices, and a data team analyzes information from traps, mulch surveys, and tree damage.  An outreach team also provides information to the public and professionals while supporting community response efforts.  While the expertise and methodology developed was not available at the start of the infestation on Oahu, it can now be deployed to prevent infestations on islands that are not yet infested.  For infested areas, the program currently educates arborists and tree trimmers to protect trees with contact pesticides.

     Additionally, the program is working on a long-term solution through a biocontrol, which has been found to be effective in other parts of the world.  The program is also working on permitting to bring in agents and hopes to host range studies in early 2026.  Researchers have a rearing colony of coconut rhinoceros beetles at the university and need to test whether the viral strains that kill the beetles affect any native species.  Once an appropriate strain is identified, it could be released on infected beetles to spread and suppress the population in the wild.

     The legislature also finds that emergency response funding from the United States Department of Agriculture is ending, as it is no longer considered an emergency after more than ten years.  Stable year-to—year funding to the university of Hawaii to support key positions within the core coconut rhinoceros beetle response program would assist in leveraging additional federal funds.

     The purpose of this Act is to:

     (1)  Establish short-term management initiatives for the coconut rhinoceros beetle response program; and

     (2)  Appropriate funds to support the coconut rhinoceros beetle response program's activities and positions.

     SECTION 2.  In its coconut rhinoceros beetle response, the university of Hawaii shall incorporate the following short-term management initiatives:

     (1)  Engagement with tree trimmers, arborists, and the landscaping industry by educating them on the current best management practices and combating the misinformation circulating about coconut rhinoceros beetle treatment options; provided that annual workshops shall be held on each island; provided further that a list of companies that receive the training shall be posted online for use by consumers;

     (2)  Subsidizing canopy treatments for residential palm owners;

     (3)  Extending services by the coconut rhinoceros beetle response program to Hawaii island and the islands of Maui, Molokai, and Lanai when coconut rhinoceros beetles are detected;

     (4)  Performing canine inspections, in cooperation with the department of agriculture, on high-risk cargo moving between islands;

     (5)  Subsidizing container fumigation of high-risk materials traveling between islands; and

     (6)  Conducting research with an emphasis on biocontrol.

     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 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to be allocated as follows:

     (1)  $15,000 for training tree trimmers, arborists, and the landscaping industry on the current best management practices about coconut rhinoceros beetles;

     (2)  $160,000 for subsidizing canopy treatments for residential palm owners;

     (3)  $           for extending deployment of coconut rhinoceros beetle response teams to Hawaii island and the islands of Maui, Molokai, and Lanai when coconut rhinoceros beetles are detected;

     (4)  $250,000 to perform canine inspections for coconut rhinoceros beetles for high-risk cargo moving between islands;

     (5)  $           for subsidizing container fumigation of high-risk materials traveling between islands; and

     (6)  $200,000 for      full-time equivalent (     FTE) permanent positions for biocontrol research.

     The sums 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, 2025.

Report Title:

Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle; Prevention; University of Hawaii; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes short-term management initiatives for the coconut rhinoceros beetle response program.  Appropriates funds for activities and positions related to coconut rhinoceros beetle infestation control.

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. 233

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 686

       S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committees on Higher Education and Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred S.B. No. 686 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE COCONUT RHINOCEROS BEETLE PROGRAM,"

beg leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

     (1)  Establish short-term management initiatives for the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Response Program; and

     (2)  Appropriate funds to support the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Response Program's activities, including establishment of positions.

     Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Invasive Species Council, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience, two members of the Kauaʻi County Council, Kauai Invasive Species Committee, Big Island Invasive Species Committee, Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau, Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi, North Shore Chamber of Commerce, Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy, and fourteen individuals.

     Your Committees received comments on this measure from the Department of the Attorney General.

     Your Committees find that the coconut rhinoceros beetle can have devastating impacts on palm species that are foundational to the State's agricultural economy, cultural heritage, and ecosystems.  Your Committees further find that the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Response Program is a coordinated partnership among the University of Hawaii, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Hawaii Department of Agriculture, and other key organizations that has developed the expertise and methodology to combat and prevent infestations.  Your Committees additionally find that emergency response funding from the USDA is ending as the infestation is no longer considered an emergency after ten years since initial detection in the State.  Accordingly, this measure establishes and funds key positions within the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Response Program to ensure that infestations may continue to be combated or prevented.

     Your Committees note the concern raised by the Department of the Attorney General that pursuant to the Hawaii State Constitution, this measure requires language identifying it as a law of statewide concern, and language establishing appropriate standards for state agencies to issue grants.

     Accordingly, your Committees have amended this measure by:

     (1)  Inserting language identifying it as a law of statewide concern;

     (2)  Inserting language establishing appropriate standards for the University of Hawaii to issue grants subsidizing canopy treatment for residential palm owners and container fumigation of high-risk materials traveling between islands;

     (3)  Changing the appropriations to unspecified amounts;

     (4)  Inserting an effective date of July 31, 2050, to encourage further discussion; and

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

     Your Committees note that this measure, as amended, contains unspecified appropriation amounts.  Should your Committee on Ways and Means choose to deliberate on this measure, your Committees respectfully request that it consider appropriating the following amounts:

     (1)  $15,000 for training tree trimmers, arborists, and the landscaping industry on the current best management practices about coconut rhinoceros beetles;

     (2)  $160,000 for subsidizing canopy treatments for residential palm owners;

     (3)  $250,000 to perform canine inspections for coconut rhinoceros beetles for high-risk cargo moving between islands;

     (4)  $200,000 for an unspecified number of full-time equivalent permanent positions for biocontrol research within the University of Hawaii; and

     (5)  Amounts to be requested by the University of Hawaii for:

          (A)  Extending deployment of coconut rhinoceros beetle response teams to Hawaii island and the islands of Maui, Molokai, and Lanai when coconut rhinoceros beetles are detected; and

          (B)  Subsidizing container fumigation of high-risk materials traveling between islands.

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Higher Education and Agriculture and Environment that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 686, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 686, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Higher Education and Agriculture and Environment,