HB 1083 Summary

• Appropriates $2,003,000 for fiscal years 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 to the Department of Land and Natural Resources to protect Hawaii's ohia forests from rapid ohia death disease.

• Allocates $750,000 for ongoing research on the two fungi (Ceratocystis lukuohia and Ceratocystis huliohia) causing rapid ohia death, including disease diagnostics, genetic testing, and development of disease-resistant ohia varieties.

• Allocates $750,000 for survey and control efforts including statewide helicopter surveys twice yearly, ground crews to investigate outbreaks, beetle suppression treatments, and post-treatment monitoring.

• Allocates $253,000 for expedited removal of hooved animals from fenced areas on Hawaii and Kauai islands to reduce wounding of healthy trees that enables disease infection.

• Allocates $250,000 for public outreach through announcements, signage, community meetings, and educational workshops to inform residents and visitors how to prevent disease spread.