HI HB507

Appropriates funds to the Department of Agriculture for fiscal years 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 to research and develop methods for preventing and treating macadamia felted coccid infestations in cooperation with the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.

Addresses the macadamia felted coccid (Eriococcus ironsidei), an Australian insect discovered in South Kona in March 2005 that causes severe damage to macadamia nut trees and has spread to the Pahala area.

Notes that insecticidal oil treatments are ineffective on older macadamia trees due to their large size and heavy canopy, requiring development of alternative control methods.

Identifies six priority research areas including canopy modification to encourage natural enemies, alternative pesticide analysis, impact assessment on plant health and yield, action thresholds, field phenology studies, and biological control agent testing from Australia.

Takes effect on July 1, 2015.