SB 746: DLNR; Hawaii Invasive Species Council; Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle; Invasive Species; Pilot Program; Report; 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 coconut rhinoceros beetle, scientifically known as oryctes rhinoceros, is an invasive species that threatens coconut palms and other vegetation.  The beetle bores into the crowns of coconut trees, feeding on the sap and causing severe damage.  However, the beetle's appetite is not limited to coconut palms, and it threatens other tropical plants such as hala, sugarcane, taro, banana, and pineapple.  From reduced property values and loss of tourism due to dying palms to increased costs for pest control and tree replacement, the economic consequences are vast and significant.

     The legislature further finds that the coconut rhinoceros beetle endangers the State's cultural heritage by damaging plants, including hala and taro, that are integral to native Hawaiian practices.  The protection of these plants is essential for preserving local traditions and maintaining a balanced ecosystem.  Wreaking havoc since it was discovered in 2013 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, the beetle has spread across Oahu and to the islands of Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii.

     The purpose of this Act is to establish a two-year coconut rhinoceros beetle eradication pilot program under the department of land and natural resources to provide community-based incentives to eradicate the coconut rhinoceros beetle in certain areas of the State.

     SECTION 2.  For the purposes of this Act:

     "Coconut rhinoceros beetle" means the species scientifically known as oryctes rhinoceros.

     "Community member" means any resident, military personnel member, farmer, cultural practitioner, golf course staffer, green waste or compost facility worker, retailer, landscape professional, botanical garden staffer, or maintenance worker.

     SECTION 3.  (a)  There is established within the department of land and natural resources a two-year coconut rhinoceros beetle eradication pilot program to incentivize community members to collect and submit to the department the coconut rhinoceros beetle and its larvae; provided that the program shall only be conducted in areas where there are established infestations of coconut rhinoceros beetles within counties with a population of five hundred thousand or more.  The Hawaii invasive species council shall oversee the pilot program and ensure the participation of stakeholders, including community members.

     (b)  The department of land and natural resources shall compensate community members for the collection and submission of coconut rhinoceros beetles and larvae that are captured.  The compensation shall be determined by the department in consultation with the Hawaii invasive species council; provided that in no event shall the department compensate any person for collecting or submitting any beetle or larva that was bred by human intervention.

     SECTION 4.  The department of land and natural resources shall submit a report regarding the coconut rhinoceros beetle eradication pilot program, including its findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2026.

     SECTION 5.  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 for the costs of operating the coconut rhinoceros beetle eradication pilot program, including:

     (1)  Compensation to community members;

     (2)  Program administration;

     (3)  Community engagement, workshops, and training events;

     (4)  Digital and social media campaigns;

     (5)  Media advertising; and

     (6)  Educational materials and outreach.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 6.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

DLNR; Hawaii Invasive Species Council; Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle; Invasive Species; Pilot Program; Report; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes a two-year coconut rhinoceros beetle eradication pilot program in certain areas under the Department of Land and Natural Resources that incentivizes community members to collect and submit the coconut rhinoceros beetle and its larvae for compensation.  Requires a report 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 INVASIVE SPECIES.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the coconut rhinoceros beetle, scientifically known as oryctes rhinoceros, is an invasive species that threatens coconut palms and other vegetation.  The beetle bores into the crowns of coconut trees, feeding on the sap and causing severe damage.  The beetle's appetite is not limited to coconut palms, and it threatens other tropical plants such as hala, sugarcane, taro, banana, and pineapple.  From reduced property values and loss of tourism due to dying palms to increased costs for pest control and tree replacement, the economic consequences are vast and significant.

     The legislature further finds that the coconut rhinoceros beetle endangers the State's cultural heritage by damaging plants, including hala and taro, that are integral to native Hawaiian practices.  The protection of these plants is essential for preserving local traditions and maintaining a balanced ecosystem.  Wreaking havoc since it was discovered in 2013 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, the beetle has spread across Oahu and to the islands of Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii.

     The purpose of this Act is to establish a two-year coconut rhinoceros beetle eradication pilot program under the department of land and natural resources to provide community-based incentives to eradicate the coconut rhinoceros beetle in Hawaii.

     SECTION 2.  For the purposes of this Act:

     "Coconut rhinoceros beetle" means the invasive species in Hawaii that is scientifically known as oryctes rhinoceros.

     "Community member" means any resident, military personnel member, farmer, cultural practitioner, golf course staffer, green waste or compost facility worker, retailer, landscape professional, botanical garden staffer, or maintenance worker.

     SECTION 3.  (a)  There is established within the department of land and natural resources a two-year coconut rhinoceros beetle eradication pilot program to incentivize community members to collect and submit to the department the coconut rhinoceros beetle and its larvae.  The Hawaii invasive species council shall oversee the pilot program and ensure the participation of stakeholders, including community members.

     (b)  The department of land and natural resources shall compensate community members for the collection and submission of coconut rhinoceros beetles and larvae captured in the wild.  The compensation shall be determined by the department in consultation with the Hawaii invasive species council; provided that in no event shall the department compensate any person for collecting or submitting any beetle or larva that was bred by human intervention.

     SECTION 4.  The department of land and natural resources shall submit a report regarding the coconut rhinoceros beetle eradication pilot program, including its findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2026.

     SECTION 5.  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 for the costs of operating the coconut rhinoceros beetle eradication pilot program, including:

     (1)  Compensation to community members;

     (2)  Program administration;

     (3)  Community engagement, workshops, and training events;

     (4)  Digital and social media campaigns;

     (5)  Media advertising; and

     (6)  Educational materials and outreach.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 6.  This Act shall take effect on January 1, 2050.

Report Title:

DLNR; Hawaii Invasive Species Council; Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle; Invasive Species; Pilot Program; Report; Appropriations

Description:

Establishes a 2-year coconut rhinoceros beetle eradication pilot program under the Department of Land and Natural Resources that incentivizes community members to collect and submit the coconut rhinoceros beetle and its larvae for compensation.  Requires a report to the Legislature.  Appropriates moneys.  (SD2)

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 coconut rhinoceros beetle, scientifically known as oryctes rhinoceros, is an invasive species that threatens coconut palms and other vegetation. The beetle bores into the crowns of coconut trees, feeding on the sap and causing severe damage.  The beetle's appetite is not limited to coconut palms, and it threatens other tropical plants such as hala, sugarcane, taro, banana, and pineapple.  From reduced property values and loss of tourism due to dying palms to increased costs for pest control and tree replacement, the economic consequences are vast and significant.

     The legislature further finds that the coconut rhinoceros beetle endangers the State's cultural heritage by damaging plants, including hala and taro, that are integral to native Hawaiian practices.  The protection of these plants is essential for preserving local traditions and maintaining a balanced ecosystem.  Wreaking havoc since it was discovered in 2013 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, the beetle has spread across Oahu and to the islands of Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii.

     The purpose of this Act is to establish a two-year community-based incentive pilot program under the department of land and natural resources to eradicate the coconut rhinoceros beetle in Hawaii.

     SECTION 2.  For the purposes of this Act:

     "Coconut rhinoceros beetle" means the invasive species in Hawaii that is scientifically known as oryctes rhinoceros.

     "Community member" includes residents, military personnel, farmers, cultural practitioners, golf course staff, green waste and compost facility workers, retailers, landscape professionals, botanical garden staff, and maintenance personnel.

     SECTION 3.  (a)  There is established within the department of land and natural resources a two-year pilot program to incentivize community members to collect and submit to the department the beetle and its larvae.  The Hawaii invasive species council shall oversee the pilot program and ensure the participation of stakeholders, including community members.

     (b)  The department of land and natural resources shall compensate community members for the collection and submission of beetles and larvae.  The compensation shall be determined by the department in consultation with the Hawaii invasive species council.

     SECTION 4.  The department of land and natural resources shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2026.

     SECTION 5.  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 for a two-year community-based pilot program to eradicate the coconut rhinoceros beetle in Hawaii, including but not limited to:

     (1)  Compensation to community members;

     (2)  Program administration;

     (3)  Community engagement, workshops, and training events;

     (4)  Digital and social media campaigns;

     (5)  Media advertising; and

     (6)  Educational materials and outreach.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 6.  This Act shall take effect on January 1, 2050.

Report Title:

DLNR; Hawaii Invasive Species Council; Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle; Invasive Species; Pilot Program; Report; Appropriations

Description:

Establishes a two-year pilot program under the Department of Land and Natural Resources that incentivizes community members to collect and submit the coconut rhinoceros beetle and its larvae for compensation.  Requires a report to the Legislature.  Appropriates funds.  (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 coconut rhinoceros beetle, scientifically known as oryctes rhinoceros, is an invasive species that threatens coconut palms and other vegetation. The beetle bores into the crowns of coconut trees, feeding on the sap and causing severe damage.  The beetle's appetite is not limited to coconut palms, and it threatens other tropical plants such as hala, sugarcane, taro, banana, and pineapple.  From reduced property values and loss of tourism due to dying palms to increased costs for pest control and tree replacement, the economic consequences are vast and significant.

     The legislature further finds that the coconut rhinoceros beetle endangers Hawaii's cultural heritage by damaging plants, such as hala and taro, that are integral to native Hawaiian practices.  The protection of these plants is essential for preserving local traditions and maintaining a balanced ecosystem.  Wreaking havoc since it was discovered in 2013 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, the beetle has spread across Oahu and to the islands of Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii.

     The purpose of this Act is to establish a two-year community-based incentive pilot program under the department of land and natural resources to eradicate the coconut rhinoceros beetle in Hawaii.

     SECTION 2.  For the purposes of this Act:

     "Coconut rhinoceros beetle" means the invasive species in Hawaii that is scientifically known as oryctes rhinoceros.

     "Community member" includes residents, military personnel, farmers, cultural practitioners, golf course staff, green waste and compost facility workers, retailers, landscape professionals, botanical garden staff, and maintenance personnel.

     SECTION 3.  (a)  The department of land and natural resources shall establish a two-year pilot program to incentivize community members to collect and submit to the department the beetle and its larvae.  The Hawaii invasive species council shall oversee the pilot program; and ensure the participation of stakeholders, including community members.

     (b)  The department of land and natural resources shall compensate community members for the collection and submission of beetles and larvae.  The compensation shall be determined by the department in consultation with the Hawaii invasive species council.

     SECTION 3.   No later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2026, the department of land and natural resources shall submit to the legislature a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation.

     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 for a two-year community-based pilot program to eradicate the coconut rhinoceros beetle in Hawaii, including but not limited to:

     (1)  Compensation to community members;

     (2)  Program administration;

     (3)  Community engagement, workshops, and training events;

     (4)  Digital and social media campaigns;

     (5)  Media advertising; and

     (6)  Educational materials and outreach.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.

Report Title:

Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle; Invasive Species; DLNR; Pilot Program; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes and appropriates moneys for a two-year pilot program under the Department of Land and Natural Resources that incentivizes community members to collect and submit the coconut rhinoceros beetle and its larvae for compensation.

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.  1483

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   S.B. No. 746

      S.D. 2

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Water & Land, to which was referred S.B. No. 746, S.D. 2, 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 establish and appropriate funds for a two-year Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Eradication Pilot Program under the Department of Land and Natural Resources to provide community-based incentives to eradicate the coconut rhinoceros beetle in the State.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources; Department of Agriculture; Hawaii Invasive Species Council; Windward Coalition; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi; and two individuals.

     Your Committee finds that the coconut rhinoceros beetle poses a severe threat to Hawaii's native and agricultural landscapes.  Since its initial detection in 2013, the beetle has rapidly expanded across Oahu and has been identified on Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii Island, causing widespread damage to tree canopies, diminishing natural habitats, and undermining reforestation and conservation efforts.  To mitigate further spread and destruction, this measure establishes a two-year Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Eradication Pilot Program within the Department of Land and Natural Resources, prioritizing coordinated eradication strategies and public participation to safeguard Hawaii's natural resources, native ecosystems, and agricultural sustainability.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water & Land that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 746, S.D. 2, 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 Water & Land,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1240

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   S.B. No. 746

      S.D. 2

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems, to which was referred S.B. No. 746, S.D. 2, entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to establish and appropriate funds for a two-year Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Eradication Pilot Program under the Department of Land and Natural Resources to provide community-based incentives to eradicate the coconut rhinoceros beetle in the State.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture; Department of Land and Natural Resources; Hawaii Invasive Species Council; Office of the Mayor of the County of Maui; Hawai‘i Farm Bureau; Hawai‘i Reef and Ocean Coalition; Hawaiʻi Forest Industry Association; and numerous individuals.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.

     Your Committee finds that the coconut rhinoceros beetle is one of the most destructive invasive species threatening Hawaii's agriculture, environment, and cultural resources.  The coconut rhinoceros beetle has since spread across Oahu and to Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii Island, causing severe damage to coconut, royal, date, and fan palms, as well as other crops such as taro, banana, pineapple, and sugarcane.  To combat this growing threat, this measure establishes a two-year, Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Eradication Pilot Program under the Department of Land and Natural Resources, encouraging public participation in government-led eradication efforts to protect Hawaii's natural and cultural landscapes.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Clarifying that the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Eradication Pilot Program shall only be conducted in areas where there are established infestations of coconut rhinoceros beetles within counties with a population of five hundred thousand or more;

     (2)  Clarifying language to ensure that community members are compensated for the collection and submission of coconut rhinoceros beetles and larvae that are captured and not bred;

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

     (4)  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 S.B. No. 746, S.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 746, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Water & Land.

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

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 838

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 746

       S.D. 2

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 746, S.D. 1, entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to establish, appropriate moneys for, and require a legislative report regarding a two-year pilot program under the Department of Land and Natural Resources to eradicate the coconut rhinoceros beetle in the State.

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Hawaii Invasive Species Council, Mayor of the County of Maui, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and seven individuals.

     Your Committee received written comments in opposition to this measure from one individual.

     Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Department of Agriculture.

     Your Committee recognizes the dire threat that the coconut rhinoceros beetle poses to the State's plants, including hala and taro, which are important to Hawaii's agricultural biodiversity and Native Hawaiian culture.  Your Committee believes that action must be taken to eradicate this threat and preserve the State's environment and way of life.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Naming the new pilot program the "coconut rhinoceros beetle eradication pilot program";

     (2)  Specifying that community members shall be compensated for the collection and submission of coconut rhinoceros beetles and larvae captured in the wild, and that in no event shall the Department of Land and Natural Resources compensate any person for collecting or submitting any beetle or larva that was bred by human intervention; and

     (3)  Making technical nonsubstantive changes for purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

     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. 746, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 746, S.D. 2.

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

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 571

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 746

       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 Water and Land and Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred S.B. No. 746 entitled:

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

beg leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to establish a two-year Community-Incentive Based Pilot Program under the Department of Land and Natural Resources to eradicate the coconut rhinoceros beetle in the State.

     Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture, Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau, and one individual.

     Your Committees received comments on this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Hawaii Invasive Species Council.

     Your Committees find that the coconut rhinoceros beetle poses a significant threat to the State's tropical plants, including hala and taro, which are integral to Native Hawaiian practices.  Your Committees further find that the protection of these plants is essential for preserving local traditions and maintaining a balanced ecosystem.  This measure incentivizes community members to collect and submit coconut rhinoceros beetles and its larvae to the Department of Land and Natural Resources for compensation, which will hasten the eradication of this invasive species.

     Your Committees have amended this measure by:

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

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

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Water and Land and Agriculture and Environment that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 746, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 746, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Water and Land and Agriculture and Environment,