HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2782 |
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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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 presence of various invasive species, in particular little fire ants, pose a significant threat to public safety, environmental stability, economic vitality, and community health in Hawaii. Aggressive and harmful invasive species such as little fire ants are spreading rapidly throughout the State and inflict painful stings, causing adverse reactions in humans and animals. These stings can cause intense burning sensations, painful itchy welts, and potential blindness in humans, livestock, and pets if stung repeatedly on the face.
The legislature additionally finds that effective management and eradication of invasive species, specifically little fire ants, is not only essential to preserving Hawaii's local agriculture industry and tourism economy, but it also serves to protect the local lifestyle or customs of residents. Everyday activities like picking flowers, making lei, sharing fruit, or putting towels on the beach can become seriously threatened if the populations of invasive species such as little fire ants are not sufficiently managed.
The legislature further finds that transparency in property transactions and residential areas is essential to enable informed decision-making by prospective buyers, tenants, and neighboring residents. Therefore, in the interest of the State, it is imperative to implement measures that compel landowners to disclose the existence of known invasive species, particularly little fire ants, on their properties when selling their properties. This proactive approach is a simple and cost neutral mechanism to help lay the foundation to controlling and mitigating the spread of known populations of invasive species.
The purpose of this Act is to require landowners to disclose the presence of little fire ants on their property when selling their property.
SECTION 2. Chapter 508D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§508D- Disclosure of little fire ants. In addition to any disclosure of information required by this chapter, a
seller shall disclose the presence of little fire ants on the real property
being offered for sale."
SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2024.
INTRODUCED BY: |
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Report Title:
Mandatory Seller Disclosures; Real Estate; Invasive Species; Little Fire Ants
Description:
Requires that the presence of little fire ants be disclosed as part of the mandatory seller disclosures in real estate transactions.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.