HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2546
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024		H.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII		S.D. 1
		C.D. 1

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 can have devastating impacts on palm species that are foundational to the State's agricultural economy, cultural heritage, and ecosystems. The legislature further finds that the use of fine meshed nets can be an effective means of preventing adult coconut rhinoceros beetles from accessing vulnerable plants, effectively mitigating their impact on local plants and the environment. Additionally, fine mesh netting, meant for non-aquatic usage, is a regulated device for pest control under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, as amended.

The purpose of this Act is to allow for the use of fine meshed nets for the protection of plants against invasive species, under certain conditions.

SECTION 2. Chapter 141, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§141-    Fine meshed nets; invasive species; permissible; rules. (a) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, fine meshed nets may be used for the protection of plants against invasive species, as determined by the department of agriculture; provided that the fine meshed nets shall be applied in a manner that is unlikely to entangle birds, become dislodged and enter water, or entangle or disturb native and beneficial animals, including but not limited to pollinators, ladybugs or lady beetles, and net-winged insects.

(b) The department of agriculture shall adopt rules in accordance with chapter 91 to implement this section, including but not limited to establishing requirements related to filament diameter, color, and the inclusion of visual cues to prevent non-targeted entanglement and prohibiting the use of mist net material that is used for bird work."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Report Title:

Invasive Species; Fine Meshed Nets; Permissible; Rules

Description:

Allows for the use of fine meshed nets for the protection of plants against invasive species, under certain conditions. (CD1)

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