HI SB2516

Appropriates $1,000,000 to the University of Hawaii at Hilo for fiscal year 2016-2017 for rat lungworm disease prevention and eradication programs, including monitoring invasive mollusks and hosts, testing produce washes and water filtration systems, and developing blood-based diagnostic tests.

Funds laboratory testing of commercially available produce washes and UV water filtration systems to determine effectiveness against rat lungworm contamination.

Directs the University of Hawaii at Hilo to develop integrated pest management plans, rural health outreach programs for rainwater catchment users, and educational programs for farmers, schools, and school garden projects.

Appropriates $200,000 each to the Department of Health and Department of Land and Natural Resources for fiscal year 2016-2017 to provide educational outreach materials to the general public and healthcare providers in coordination with the University of Hawaii at Hilo.

Takes effect July 1, 2016.