HI HB1518

Appropriates funds from general revenues to the Department of Land and Natural Resources for research, extension, and control of the little fire ant (Wasmannia auropunctata) and other harmful ant species for fiscal year 2022-2023.

Identifies the little fire ant as an invasive species threat to human health, wildlife, agriculture, and tourism, having spread from the island of Hawaii (discovered 1999) to Kauai, Lanai, Oahu, and Maui.

Recognizes the Hawaii ant lab's invasive species mitigation research as critical to combatting little fire ants and notes that COVID-19 budget cuts may force the lab to terminate half its staff or reduce working hours by half.

References the 2018 legislature appropriation of $200,000 to establish and staff a West Hawaii extension office of the Hawaii ant lab at the University of Hawaii at Manoa college of tropical agriculture and human resources.

Act takes effect July 1, 2050.