HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2329

THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to rose-ringed parakeets.

 

 

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

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the rose-ringed parakeet is an invasive bird that adversely affects agricultural production on Kauai.  Rose-ringed parakeets are herbivores that feed mainly on fruits and grains, such as lychee, mango, papaya, longan, corn, and other citrus products.  Their large flocks and voracious appetites cause damage to valuable food crops.

     The legislature further finds that rose-ringed parakeets harm native ecosystems by spreading invasive seeds, displacing other native birds, and spreading avian disease.  Their roosting behavior, loud calls, and accumulated droppings are detrimental to local communities and resort destinations.

     The legislature also finds that in 2021, the population of rose-ringed parakeets on Kauai was 12,500, with projections for exponential growth in their numbers.

     The legislature additionally finds that based on studies completed by the United States Department of Agriculture's National Wildlife Research Center in 2023, roost culling is the most effective method to remove large numbers of rose-ringed parakeets.  Since 2020, the county of Kauai has periodically culled rose-ringed parakeets successfully at known roosting areas.

     Furthermore, the legislature finds that a sustained, year-long pilot program to reduce the population of rose-ringed parakeets by roost culling is needed to provide relief to Kauai famers, enhance visitor destinations, and reduce public-health concerns.  The Kauai rose-ringed parakeet working group will take the research conducted to implement culling outside of nesting season, use thermal imaging to reduce roost abandonment, and implement a new web-based survey that includes a mapping component so that community members can report their observations of rose-ringed parakeets.

     Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to establish a one-year pilot program to reduce the population of rose-ringed parakeets on Kauai using past research and on-the-ground experience to guide future strategies.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $150,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 for a one-year pilot program to reduce the population of invasive rose-ringed parakeets on Kauai using past research and on-the-ground experience to guide future strategies (LNR402, native resources and fire protection program).

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

     SECTION 3.  In accordance with section 9 of article VII of the Hawaii State Constitution and sections 37‑91 and 37‑93, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the legislature has determined that the appropriations contained in H.B. No.     , will cause the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024‑2025 to be exceeded by $           or      per cent.  In addition, the appropriation contained in this Act will cause the general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024‑2025 to be further exceeded by $150,000 or      per cent.  The combined total amount of general fund appropriations contained in only these two Acts will cause the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024‑2025 to be exceeded by $           or      per cent.  The reasons for exceeding the general fund expenditure ceiling are that:

     (1)  The appropriation made in this Act is necessary to serve the public interest; and

     (2)  The appropriation made in this Act meets the needs addressed by this Act.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2024, and shall be repealed on June 30, 2025.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Rose-ringed Parakeets; Pilot Program; Kauai; Appropriation; Expenditure Ceiling

 

Description:

Establishes a one-year pilot program to reduce the population of rose-ringed parakeets on Kauai using past research and on-the-ground experience to guide future strategies.  Appropriates funds.  Sunsets 6/30/2025.

 

 

 

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