-
It’s the end of the state’s legislative session, and lawmakers have made it clear that invasive species are a top priority. The state Department of Agriculture is receiving substantial support for its invasive species programs and staff.
-
A measure to allocate nearly $20 million during the next fiscal year to the state Department of Agriculture for biosecurity measures is being described by some as a "landmark" bill. Nearly $3.2 million would fund 44 new department positions to support biosecurity.
-
Some important invasive species bills are close to making it through this legislative session. It’s clear that prevention of invasive species is a focus for state lawmakers this year.
-
Last week the Senate Committee on Ways and Means allocated the funding in House Bill 2619. That money would go toward more than 100 new and existing DOA positions related to the state’s management of invasive species.
-
Four months after live coconut rhinoceros beetles were found in Kīhei, the state Department of Agriculture says no other evidence of the invasive pest has been found.
-
This week represents a key deadline for bills to move forward this legislative session, and lawmakers have kept some alive for the most problematic pest species in Hawaiʻi.
-
Researchers in Waimānalo are testing fertilizers made of wildfire-prone invasive plant biomass to see if they can grow food just as well as contemporary products, typically made from fossil fuels. The project could lead to cheaper alternatives for local farmers. HPR's Cassie Ordonio takes a closer look.
-
Senate Bill 3237 would primarily create a plant nursery license, designate dozens of pest species for eradication, add rules for imported goods and give the state Department of Agriculture more power to stop the movement of infested goods.
-
The state Department of Agriculture is considering a change to its internal rules to stop the movement of plant material infested with pest species. Under the proposed changes, the State Plant Regulatory Official would be able to order a company to keep plant materials if it contains pests. The SPRO is in charge of the state’s pest detection and regulation.
-
Kapua Kawelo works in resource management at Schofield Barracks. Her worries about little fire ants extend beyond her day job. She's also active in her community of Kahaluʻu, which has turned its focus to the threat of the little fire ant. Many new ant sites have been reported in Windward Oʻahu in the past year.