HI HCR119

Urges the Department of Agriculture, Department of Health, Department of Land and Natural Resources, and University of Hawaii to develop and implement a mosquito control program using Wolbachia bacteria to reduce mosquito populations statewide.

Identifies mosquito-borne diseases including Zika virus, West Nile virus, Chikungunya virus, dengue, and avian malaria as threats to human and wildlife health, with 26 confirmed Zika cases, 36 Chikungunya cases, and 360 dengue cases between 2013 and November 2, 2020.

Notes that Wolbachia is a naturally occurring bacteria present in 15-70 percent of all insects that is safe to humans and the environment, and that male Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes cannot produce offspring with wild or differently-infected females.

Highlights that native Hawaiian birds are critically endangered, with nine unique species disappeared since the 1980s and virtually all native forest birds below 4,000 feet eliminated due to avian malaria.

Requires transmission of certified copies of this resolution to the Chairperson of the Board of Agriculture, Director of Health, Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, and President of the University of Hawaii System.