HI HB2675

Appropriates $300,000 from general revenues for fiscal year 2016-2017 to fund research on rapid ohia death, a fungal disease caused by Ceratocystis fimbriata that is killing native ohia trees in Hawaii.

Funds will support pathology post-doctoral fellows, technical support, materials and supplies for pathogen detection, and a new growth chamber for pathology experiments to be expended by the department of agriculture.

Addresses the rapid spread of ohia death disease, which has affected approximately 15,000 to 30,000 acres on the island of Hawaii with no known treatment or cure for infected trees.

Recognizes that ohia trees are Hawaii's most common native tree species providing critical habitat for rare and endangered native birds and insects, and the disease threatens to destroy ohia forests statewide.

Takes effect on July 1, 2016.