HI SB776

Establishes the Hawaii Invasive Species Authority to replace the Hawaii Invasive Species Council, administratively attached to the Department of Agriculture, with expanded duties including coordination of the Hawaii Interagency Biosecurity Plan and emergency response management.

Authority composed of 10 members including directors from agriculture, land and natural resources, health, transportation, business/economic development, University of Hawaii president, and three governor-appointed representatives with expertise in conservation, agriculture/horticulture, and native Hawaiian cultural practices.

Authorizes the authority to hire staff including an executive director without regard to civil service requirements, maintain invasive species data repository, develop public reporting system, and implement interagency budget for invasive species projects and research.

Grants departments authority to examine, control, and eradicate invasive species on public and private property after providing notice to owners, with ability to seek court orders for entry if refused and recover costs from owners who fail to comply.

Appropriates unspecified general revenue funds for fiscal years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 for authority operations and interagency invasive species projects, with authority to transfer portions to other departments as directed.