HI HB643

Establishes short-term management initiatives for the coconut rhinoceros beetle response program at the University of Hawaii, including annual training workshops for tree trimmers and arborists on each island, subsidized canopy treatments for residential palm owners, and biocontrol research

Requires extension of response program services to Hawaii island, Maui, Molokai, Kauai, and Lanai when beetles are detected, and canine inspections of high-risk cargo moving between islands in coordination with the Department of Agriculture

Creates a grant program through the University of Hawaii for residential palm owners to receive subsidized canopy treatments, with requirements including proper licensing, detailed project plans, and compliance with state and federal laws

Appropriates unspecified general funds for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 for training, subsidies, inter-island response teams, canine inspections, three drones, and permanent biocontrol research positions including technicians and graduate students

Addresses the loss of federal emergency funding from USDA, which is ending after more than ten years since the beetle was first detected in Hawaii in 2013