HI SR136

Recognizes that pollinator species, including honeybees, native bees, and birds, are vital to Hawaii's agricultural production, with approximately 70 percent of the state's food crops depending on pollination.

Acknowledges that native Hawaiian pollinators, including seven species of Hawaiian yellow-faced bees added to federal endangered species lists in 2016, face significant risk from neonicotinoid systemic insecticides.

Urges the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Department of Agriculture to take measures authorized by law to limit pollinator exposure to neonicotinoids, citing the European Union's 2013 suspension of three major neonicotinoids and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 2015 moratorium on new outdoor neonicotinoid approvals.

Requests that both departments submit a report detailing specific measures taken and any proposed legislation needed to limit neonicotinoid exposure to pollinators no later than twenty days before the 2020 Regular Session convenes.