SB686

Hawaii SB686 establishes a coconut rhinoceros beetle response program to combat infestations and prevent spread.

Hawaii SB686 establishes a coordinated response program to manage and prevent the spread of the coconut rhinoceros beetle, which threatens palm species crucial to the state's economy and ecosystems. The program includes short-term management initiatives, such as educating tree trimmers and arborists on best practices, subsidizing canopy treatments for residential palm owners, and extending response teams to other islands. The bill also allocates funds for canine inspections of high-risk cargo, container fumigation, and biocontrol research.