HI SB2707

Establishes a Center on Biosecurity Research, Education, and Extension at the University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience to combat invasive species threatening agriculture and ecosystems.

Appropriates $45,000,000 for fiscal year 2026-2027, including $25,000,000 for biocontainment labs and greenhouses, $18,000,000 for office/laboratory buildings and a canine detector dog facility, and $2,000,000 for staffing.

Addresses invasive species including coconut rhinoceros beetle, coffee berry borer, coffee leaf rust, two-lined spittle bug, axis deer, wild pigs, wild goats, rose-ringed parakeets, and coqui frogs.

Mandates development of predictive risk assessment models, rapid detection methods, biocontrol agents, and community-based eradication solutions in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity.

Creates educational programs including a certificate and one-year professional master's degree in biosecurity, and funds 11 full-time equivalent staff positions.