S.B. 744 Summary

• Requires the Hawaii Invasive Species Council to amend its administrative rules to classify the fungal pathogen that causes coffee leaf rust as an invasive species.

• Directs the Hawaii Invasive Species Council to expend available moneys for mitigation efforts, research, and prevention or control actions for coffee leaf rust.

• Recognizes that coffee leaf rust was first discovered in the United States on Hawaii and Maui islands in 2020 and can cause 30-80% crop losses if untreated.

• Notes the Hawaii coffee industry generates over $54,300,000 in annual revenue and requires continued support to combat the disease.

• Takes effect on July 1, 2050.