HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2180

THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2020

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII COLLEGE OF TROPICAL AGRICULTURE AND HUMAN RESOURCES.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the biosecurity of agriculture in Hawaii is one of the most significant issues facing agriculture production.  The legislature also finds that on average, one new invasive species enters the State per day, and that several dozen invasive species have already successfully established themselves in the State.  Control of invasive species is based on monitoring crop health, identifying problems in collaboration with the department of agriculture, researching the causes of the problems, and developing remediation solutions.

     The legislature believes that additional staff positions within the university of Hawaii college of tropical agriculture and human resources are necessary to protect the future of agriculture on Oahu.  These positions include a pesticide extension specialist, who will be responsible for evaluating the efficacy of chemicals used in conventional and organic production to provide the information necessary to label those chemicals for specific crops; an entomology extension specialist who will instruct producers on how to monitor and identify harmful and beneficial insects and develop and teach farmers the proper method of control of harmful insects; and a plant pathologist extension specialist with a focus in fungal diseases, who will train farmers in integrated disease management and extend the information developed by the extension specialist.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to make an appropriation to the university of Hawaii college of tropical agriculture and human resources for an ornamental and landscape entomologist specialist, plant pathologist extension agent, and pesticide specialist.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $800,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2020-2021 for the following positions in the university of Hawaii college of tropical agriculture and human resources:

     (1)  One full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) ornamental and landscaping entomologist specialist;

     (2)  One full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) plant pathologist extension agent; and

     (3)  One full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) pesticide specialist position.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the university of Hawaii college of tropical agriculture and human resources for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2020.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

 

 

 

 

Report Title:

UH; College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources; Appropriation

 

Description:

Makes an appropriation to the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources for ornamental and landscaping entomologist specialist, plant pathologist extension agent, and pesticide specialist positions.

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.