RELATING TO BIOSECURITY.

SB2707

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

2707

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating
to biosecurity
.

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

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SECTION
1.
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The legislature finds that invasive
species pose a serious threat to Hawaii's agriculture, urban landscapes, and
natural ecosystems.
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The coconut
rhinoceros beetle has decimated the coconut palm industry on the island of Oahu
and is spreading to other islands, altering the landscape aesthetics and
threatening food production.
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Coffee
berry borer and coffee leaf rust have substantially reduced coffee production
in the State, and the two-lined spittle bug is devastating pastures, which
threatens the viability of Hawaii's livestock industry.
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Invasive mammals and birds, such as axis
deer, wild pigs, wild goats, and rose-ringed parakeets, are devastating
agricultural and natural ecosystems in the counties of Maui, Hawaii, and
Kauai.
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Additionally, the coqui frog is
causing noise pollution and threatening the State's native and endangered
species.

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The
purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the university of Hawaii at
Manoa college of tropical agriculture and human resilience to establish a
center on biosecurity research, education, and extension to develop and
implement innovative solutions for detecting, monitoring, eradicating, and
managing invasive species.

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SECTION
2.
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The university of Hawaii at Manoa college
of tropical agriculture and human resilience shall establish a center on
biosecurity research, education, and extension to develop and implement
innovative solutions for detecting, monitoring, eradicating, and managing
invasive species by:

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(1)
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Developing predictive risk assessment and
spread models for anticipated invasive species to guide the State's proactive
biosecurity response plans;

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(2)
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Develop rapid detection methods, tracking
systems, and eradication protocols for invasive species;

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(3)
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Develop and implement area-wide and
community-based solutions, including the use of canines, to detect, eradicate,
and manage invasive species in collaboration with the department of agriculture
and biosecurity and other agencies and organizations;

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(4)
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Identify chemical control options through the
IR-4 program and work with the department of agriculture and biosecurity to
register them in Hawaii;

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(5)
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Identify and evaluate biocontrol agents under
biocontainment and coordinate their multiplication and release for managing
invasive species;

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(6)
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Provide rapid pest and disease diagnostics
through the university of Hawaii at Manoa college of tropical agriculture and
human resilience's plant pest and disease diagnostics and animal disease
diagnostics labs;

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(7)
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Disseminate data and information to the public
through a dedicated website and public campaigns through the university of
Hawaii at Manoa college of tropical agriculture and human resilience's
cooperative extension;

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(8)
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Collaborate with governmental, non-profit, and
for-profit organizations in developing useful byproducts from established
invasive species, including but not limited to timber, fiber, meat, animal
feed, biofertilizer, and biochar; and

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(9)
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Develop a certificate and a one-year
professional master's degree in biosecurity.

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SECTION
3.
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There is appropriated out of the
general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $45,000,000 or so much
thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the university of
Hawaii at Manoa college of tropical agriculture and human resilience to
establish a center on biosecurity research, education, and extension, to be
allocated as follows:

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(1)
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$25,000,000 for design, plans, and
construction of biocontainment labs and greenhouses;

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(2)
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$18,000,000 for design, plans, and
construction of a standard office and laboratory building and an outdoor canine
facility for detector dogs; and

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(3)
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$2,000,000 to establish two full-time
equivalent (2.0 FTE) extension agents in wildlife and weed management, one
full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) risk assessment/spread modeling scientist, one
full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) data manager, one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE)
website and information dissemination specialist, three full-time equivalent
(3.0 FTE) administrative professional technical laboratory technicians, one
full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) administrative professional technical fiscal
support specialist, and one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) administrative
professional technical office support.

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The sum
appropriated shall be expended by the university of Hawaii for the purposes of
this Act.

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SECTION 4.
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This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

UH College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience;
Center for Biosecurity Research, Education, and Extension; Appropriation

Description:

Requires
the C
ollege of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience to establish a
Center for Biosecurity Research, Education, and Extension to develop and
implement innovative solutions for detecting, monitoring, eradicating, and
managing invasive species.
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Appropriates
funds.

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