HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2672

THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024

H.D. 1

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.  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, worldwide, the little fire ant is considered an agricultural pest due to its painful sting.  The sting typically causes an intense burning sensation and painful, itchy welts that can last for weeks.  In addition to foraging on the ground, little fire ants forage in trees, such as banana, palm, and cacao trees.  Little fire ants easily fall or are windblown off branches and leaves and onto agricultural workers and animals.  Stings to the eyes from little fire ants can cause corneal lesions in humans, livestock, and domestic pets.  Domestic and wild animals can be blinded and their lifespan shortened with repeated stings to the eyes and face.

     The legislature further finds that in addition to stinging farm workers and livestock, little fire ants facilitate an increase in sapsucking plant pests such as scales, aphids, and mealybugs, leading to further crop yield losses and additional labor and chemical input expense.

     The supply of available agricultural workers in Hawaii is already critically short.  Little fire ants have significantly impacted the ability of agricultural operators to retain labor in infested areas.  In addition to agriculture, little fire ant infestations can cause other significant economic damage, specifically related to parks, outdoor recreations, and schools.

     The legislature 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 little fire ant infestations.  The Hawaii invasive species council and department of agriculture provided most of the funding for the Hawaii ant lab at the university of Hawaii.  In fiscal year 2020-2021, the Hawaii ant lab received $378,835 to carry out its work and $340,866 in fiscal year 2021-2022.  However, the funding was not renewed due to budget cuts and the repeal of the agricultural development and food security special fund.  This reduction in funding has led to staff having to reduce working hours for parts of 2021 and 2022.  While the legislature made a one—time appropriation of $500,000 in 2022 to address the funding shortfall and help the Hawaii ant lab retain its staff, funding for fiscal year 2024-2025 is unknown.

     The purpose of this Act is to protect agricultural crops and workers by appropriating 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 the native resources and fire protection program (LNR402) to support the Hawaii ant lab in mitigating the effects of little fire ants in the State.

     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; Agricultural Pests; 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.  (HD1)

 

 

 

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