HI SB2271

Appropriates funds from general revenues to the Department of Land and Natural Resources for fiscal year 2016-2017 to research methods for preventing and treating rapid ohia death disease, with focus on the island of Hawaii, and to control and contain damage from the disease.

Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to submit a report to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2017 regular session covering the nature of rapid ohia death disease, its cause, vectors, transmission, and prevention prospects.

Requires the report to include the status of plans and strategies to eliminate, control, or prevent rapid ohia death disease in the State, and identify necessary funding and legislation needed for disease mitigation.

Responds to rapid ohia death disease devastating thousands of acres of native forest on Hawaii island; ohia comprises approximately fifty percent of the State's native forest and is a keystone species in native watershed areas.

Takes effect July 1, 2050 (note: specific appropriation amount not filled in on bill).