HI HB1716

Appropriates $5,000,000 from general revenues for fiscal year 2014-2015 to the Department of Land and Natural Resources for the Hawaii Invasive Species Council.

Funds shall support invasive species prevention, control, outreach, research, and planning projects in accordance with the Hawaii Invasive Species Council mandated under chapter 194, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Legislature finds invasive species pose the greatest threat to Hawaii's economy and natural environment, with potential costs of $2.14 billion annually if brown tree snakes alone were introduced.

A 2002 study estimated annual costs to address invasive species in Hawaii at $50 million, with the original goal for council funding set at $5 million annually though initial appropriations were substantially lower.

Act takes effect July 1, 2014.