HI HB1553

Appropriates $750,000 for fiscal year 2011-2012 and $750,000 for fiscal year 2012-2013 from the agricultural development and food security special fund to combat the coffee berry borer in the Kona region of Hawaii.

Funds investigative research through the University of Hawaii's College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources in collaboration with the USDA Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center to develop techniques for combating the coffee berry borer.

Authorizes funds for purchasing equipment to identify and track infestations, providing sanitation services on abandoned farms, establishing a quarantine site for heat treatment or fumigation of green coffee beans, and supporting the coffee berry borer task force operations.

Requires the Department of Agriculture to submit a progress report to the legislature by July 31, 2012 documenting fund expenditures and activities authorized under the Act.

Takes effect on July 1, 2011.