HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1714
THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2022		H.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO TWO-LINED SPITTLEBUGS.

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 had damaged nearly two thousand acres of pasture land. Many high-quality pasture grasses, including Bracharia, Kikuyu, Pangola, St. Augustine, and Bermuda, are susceptible to attacks by the two-lined spittlebug. During heavy infestations, dying plant tissue cascades from the leaves to the roots, ultimately causing the death of the whole plant. The resulting damage does not allow for any regrowth, requiring ranchers to totally replant affected pastures.

The legislature further finds that two-lined spittlebug infestations have reduced the quality of some forage pastures in Hawaii by decreasing their nutritional value, palatability, and productivity. Infestations of the pest also promote the establishment of weeds and lower-quality foraging grasses. Monthly surveys carried out on the island of Hawaii since 2017 show that the pest is rapidly expanding its range and now covers more than two hundred seventy-five square miles. The loss of production in affected areas is estimated to be about $133 per acre, and it is forecast that severely impacted pasture will cost $500 per acre for up to ten years to recover.

The legislature recognizes that livestock ranching is a highly productive and extremely valuable industry on all of Hawaii's major islands. The State's livestock industry has an estimated annual value of more than $68,000,000, with over one hundred forty-two thousand beef cattle on more than one thousand three hundred ranches. Collectively, these ranches cover nearly twenty-five per cent of the State's land area.

The legislature additionally finds that the department of agriculture is beginning efforts to mitigate and control two-lined spittlebug infestations using funds received by the State from the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. Currently, the department is working on a direct contract to the research corporation of the University of Hawaii to support rancher activities in controlling two-lined spittlebugs in areas devastated by the insect. However, more support and funding are needed to continue the department's work in mitigating and controlling the two-lined spittlebug population in Hawaii.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the department of agriculture to continue its efforts to mitigate and control the two-lined spittlebug and recover rangelands damaged by the invasive pest and for research to inform best practices and monitor the status of the two-lined spittlebug.

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 2022-2023 for:

(1) Mitigation and control of the two-lined spittlebug, including reduction of the two-lined spittlebug population through the use of insecticides and integration of weed management measures in affected rangelands;

(2) Reseeding of pastures damaged by infestations; and

(3) Research to inform best practices and monitor the status of the two-lined spittlebug.

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

SECTION 3. The department of agriculture 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 2023 regarding efforts to mitigate and control the two-lined spittlebug, efforts to recover pasture lands, and research findings. The report shall also document the expenditure of funds and the progress of activities funded by this Act.

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

Report Title:

Two-lined Spittlebug; Mitigation; Control; Recovery; Research; Department of Agriculture; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds to the department of agriculture for the mitigation and control of the two-lined spittlebug, recovery of the rangelands and pastures damaged by the invasive pest, and research. Effective 7/1/2050. (HD1)

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