HI HR46

Department of Agriculture requested to convene a task force to document and collect data on economic, environmental, and regulatory consequences of crop degradation caused by invasive and endangered species in Hawaii.

Task force membership includes representatives from federal agencies (USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency, Rural Development), state agencies (Board of Agriculture, Board of Land and Natural Resources, Department of Health, Agribusiness Development Corporation), University of Hawaii, county planning and economic development departments, Hawaii Invasive Species Council, and Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation.

Task force directed to conduct population assessments of invasive and endangered species including their sizes, geographic ranges, impacts on crops and non-agricultural lands, movement patterns between wildlife habitats and agricultural areas, roosting/shelter areas, and population growth rates.

Task force requested to develop best management practices for controlling, eradicating, or relocating invasive and endangered species from agricultural areas and create public education protocols on their impacts.

Task force must submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2018 Regular Session convenes.