S.C.R. NO. 42 Summary

• Request Department of Agriculture, University of Hawaii, and USDA to collaborate on planning a multiagency, regional facility for biological control and containment research in Hawaii.

• Facility would support research using biological control methods to combat invasive species, including disease-bearing organisms, insects, snakes, and weeds that threaten Hawaii's economy and environment.

• Department of Agriculture required to submit progress reports to the Legislature no later than 20 days before each Regular Session from 2021-2027, including information on federal engagement in planning.

• Legislature supports multiagency efforts toward planning and construction of necessary biological control and containment facilities in Hawaii.

• Current biological control research facilities operated by these agencies are outdated or unusable, limiting types and quantities of research that can be conducted; facility would also enable research on invasive fruit flies and mosquitoes.