HI HCR47

Requests the Department of Agriculture to convene a task force to document economic, environmental, and regulatory consequences of crop degradation caused by invasive and endangered species in Hawaii.

Task force membership includes representatives from the Board of Agriculture (chair), USDA agencies, Board of Land and Natural Resources, Agribusiness Development Corporation, University of Hawaii, county planning and economic development offices, Hawaii Invasive Species Council, and Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation.

Task force must conduct population assessments of invasive and endangered species including their sizes, geographical ranges, impacts on crops and non-agricultural land uses, feeding and roosting patterns, and population growth rates.

Task force is requested to develop best management practices for controlling, eradicating, or relocating invasive and endangered species from agricultural areas and create public education protocols about their negative impacts.

Task force must submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2016 Regular Session convenes.