HI HB2139

Appropriates funds from Hawaii's general revenues to the University of Hawaii for fiscal year 2026-2027 to study effective treatment methods for reducing Queensland longhorn beetle populations.

The Queensland longhorn beetle (Acalolepta aesthetica), native to Australia, was first found in Hawaii in 2009 and has since spread across east Hawaii Island as far north as Honoka'a, with nearly twenty known host plant species.

The beetle threatens agriculturally important crops including 'ulu (breadfruit), cacao, avocado, and citrus, as well as culturally significant trees like kukui.

Larvae bore into tree trunks causing significant damage as they grow, often killing trees when adult beetles emerge through penny-sized exit holes.

The bill has a placeholder effective date of July 1, 3000, and the appropriation amount is left blank pending determination.