HI HB655

Appropriates $75,000 from general state revenues for fiscal year 2017-2018 to the Department of Land and Natural Resources to assist the National Wildlife Research Center in researching rose-ringed parakeets on Kauai.

Directs research to estimate current population size, locate roost sites, map habitat use and dispersal patterns, assess agricultural and natural area damages, identify diseases carried by the birds, and test deterrent devices and methods.

Requires development and implementation of a control plan targeting an initial reduction of 500 birds or approximately 10 percent of the estimated Kauai population.

Establishes that rose-ringed parakeets have caused significant crop damage on Kauai (affecting lychee, longan, and rambutan), spread invasive plants, and pose potential disease transmission risks to humans, pets, and native wildlife.

Takes effect on July 1, 2017.