RELATING TO INVASIVE SPECIES.

HB2014

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2014

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating
to invasive species
.

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

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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 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 (7 U.S.C 136).

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The legislature further finds that even
though Act 184, Session Laws of Hawaii 2024, authorizes the department of
agriculture and biosecurity to adopt rules for the use of banned monofilament netting
such power is only extended for bird keeping.
�
The legislature is concerned that, due to this
limiting authority, the ability of the department to promulgate rules to allow
for the sale of
monofilament netting for coconut
rhinoceros beetle
interdiction may be thwarted.

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Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:

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(1)
�
Allow
for the use of monofilament netting for purposes of protecting plants against
invasive species under certain conditions; and

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(2)
�
Require
the
department of agriculture and biosecurity
to
establish rules allowing the sale and distribution of fine mesh nets in the
State to protect plants from the coconut rhinoceros beetle
.

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SECTION
2
.
�
Section 141-17, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is
amended to read as follows:

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"[
[
]
�141-17[
]
]
�
Fine meshed
nets; invasive species; permissible; rules.
�
(a)
�
Notwithstanding any other law to the
contrary, fine meshed nets
, including monofilament netting of an appropriate
mesh size
may be used for the protection of plants against invasive
species, as determined by the department of agriculture and biosecurity;
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.

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(b)
�
The department of agriculture and
biosecurity 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
]
designed
for bird work[
.
]
; and
allowing the distribution and sale of fine mesh nets, including monofilament
netting of an appropriate mesh size; provided that fine mesh nets may be sold
solely for the purpose of protecting plants from
the coconut
rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros).
"

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SECTION 3.
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Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.
�
New statutory material is underscored.

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

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

DAB;
Rules; Fine Mesh Nets; Monofilament Netting; Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle

Description:

Requires
the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to establish rules allowing the
sale and distribution of fine mesh nets, including monofilament netting, in the
State to protect plants from the coconut rhinoceros beetle.

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