HI SB583

Appropriates $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2015-2016 and $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2016-2017 to the Department of Agriculture for research on macadamia felted coccid prevention and treatment.

Requires the Department of Agriculture to cooperate with the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources on research and development methods.

Addresses the macadamia felted coccid (Eriococcus ironsidei), an Australian insect that has spread from south Kona to Honokaa and damages macadamia nut trees, particularly older trees where insecticidal oils have proven ineffective.

Research areas include canopy modification, alternative pesticides, impact assessment on plant health and yield, action thresholds for management, phenology studies, and identification of biological control agents from Australia.

Takes effect on July 1, 2015.