HI HB237

Appropriates $350,000 from American Rescue Plan Act funds to the Department of Agriculture for fiscal year 2021-2022 to mitigate and control the two-lined spittlebug (Prosapia bicincta) invasive pest.

Funds to be used for reducing two-lined spittlebug populations through insecticides, integrating weed management in affected rangelands, and reseeding pastures damaged by infestations.

Two-lined spittlebug infestation was first discovered in Kailua-Kona in 2016, has damaged nearly 2,000 acres of pasture land, and now covers more than 275 square miles on the island of Hawaii.

Livestock ranching industry in Hawaii valued at over $68 million annually with 142,000 beef cattle on 1,300+ ranches, with 70% of beef cattle raised on grass species susceptible to spittlebug damage.

Department of Agriculture must submit a report documenting expenditure of funds and progress on mitigation efforts to the legislature no later than 20 days before the 2022 regular session convening.