HI SB646

Appropriates funds to the University of Hawaii for fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 for statewide research into ornamental ginger pathogens and prevention of pathogen spread.

Directs appropriated funds toward production and distribution of pathogen-free ornamental ginger plants and outreach to ornamental ginger producers.

Addresses decline in commercial ornamental ginger production in Hawaii, which fell 46 percent between 2014 and 2018 due to emerging viral diseases.

Authorizes research to develop tissue culture protocols, create virus-free plants in collaboration with Hawaii Agriculture Research Center, and develop cultural management strategies for managing virus-infected plants.

Specific appropriation amount is blank in the bill text; effective date set for June 30, 3000.