H.B. 1714 Summary

• Appropriates funds from general revenues to the Department of Agriculture for fiscal year 2022-2023 to mitigate and control two-lined spittlebug (Prosapia bicincta) infestations and recover damaged rangelands.

• Funds shall support mitigation efforts including insecticide use and weed management, reseeding of damaged pastures, and research on best practices and status monitoring of the invasive pest.

• Two-lined spittlebugs have infested over 275 square miles on Hawaii island since 2016, causing an estimated $133 per acre in production losses and up to $500 per acre in recovery costs over ten years.

• Requires the Department of Agriculture to submit a report to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2023 regular session documenting mitigation efforts, pasture recovery progress, research findings, and fund expenditures.

• Takes effect July 1, 2050.