HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2644

THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024

H.D. 2

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO LITTLE FIRE ANTS.

 

 

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

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that little fire ants are an invasive species that are spreading rapidly throughout the State.  Little fire ants are yellow-red to light brown in color and are very small, approximately 1.5 millimeters in length, making the ants extremely difficult to detect.  Little fire ants move slowly and are easily blown off leaves, plants, and trees.  The ants thrive in damp environments and establish colonies on the ground and in trees, allowing the ants to easily spread in Hawaii's humid climate and environment.

     The legislature additionally finds that little fire ants deliver a painful sting that can cause rashes or welts that can last for weeks and cause anaphylactic shock.  The ants can get into houses, beds, furniture, and food.  They sting babies and children, causing extreme pain and discomfort, and cats, dogs, livestock and other animals have gone blind after repeated stings in the eye from little fire ants.  Additionally, these pests cause significant disruption and economic damage to Hawaii.

     The legislature further finds that the Hawaii ant lab was established in 2009 to address the overwhelming need for research, advice, and technical assistance to address and eradicate rapidly spreading little fire ant infestations.  Currently, there are numerous organizations involved in addressing little fire ants across the State, including the Hawaii ant lab, pacific cooperative studies unit at the university of Hawaii at Manoa, Hawaii department of agriculture, Hawaii invasive species council, and Oahu invasive species committee.  The challenge is that there is no organizational leader to address the problem.  The legislature finds that the Hawaii ant lab, in collaboration with the department of agriculture's plant pest and disaster control branch, is best suited to take the lead in addressing this issue.  The Hawaii ant lab has staff on Hawaii island and Oahu, with the majority on Hawaii island, where little fire ants were first detected.  The Hawaii ant lab on Oahu currently has only two staff members.

     As of January 2024, there were forty-nine active sites on Oahu that were either undergoing treatment; in the long-term monitoring phase, which includes post-treatments and addressing hotspots; or unmanaged or untreated due to a lack of staffing and capacity.

     The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to support the Hawaii ant lab in mitigating the effects of little fire ants in the State.

     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 2024-2025 for native resources and fire protection program (LNR402) to support the Hawaii ant lab in mitigating the effects of little fire ants in the State through:

     (1)  The addition of      full-time equivalent (     FTE) positions to the Hawaii ant lab on Oahu to address infestations on Oahu;

     (2)  Raising public awareness regarding little fire ant infestations and treatments through community outreach; and

     (3)  Its operations, including funds for test kit supplies and treatment supplies.

     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 $           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, 3000.

 


 

Report Title:

Little Fire Ants; Hawaii Ant Lab; Appropriation; Expenditure Ceiling

 

Description:

Appropriates funds to support the Hawaii ant lab in mitigating the effects of little fire ants in the State.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD2)

 

 

 

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