Loading chat...

HI SB3124

Bill

Official Source

Status

Introduced

1/23/2014

Primary Sponsor

Glenn Wakai

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2014 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Designates Vibrio fischeri, a bioluminescent bacterium, as the official microbe of the State of Hawaii
  • Vibrio fischeri lives in symbiotic relationship with the Hawaiian bobtail squid, enabling the squid to produce light for camouflage while hunting at night on reef flats
  • The bacterium uses "quorum sensing," a chemical signaling process, to communicate and regulate bioluminescence levels based on population density in the squid's light organ
  • Research on Vibrio fischeri has practical applications including testing for toxic compounds in water and broader medical applications
  • Adds the microbe as Hawaii's official state symbol, joining existing symbols including the state motto, state plant (kalo), and individual island flowers and colors

Legislative Description

State Microbe

Last Action

The committee on TEC deferred the measure.

2/25/2014

Committee Referrals

Technology and the Arts1/27/2014

Full Bill Text

No bill text available