Rep. Tulsi Gabbard & Colleen Hanabusa Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Help Hawai'i, US Farmers Fight Invasive Species

Press Release

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) has introduced bipartisan legislation to support long-term, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions to fighting invasive species in Hawai"i and across the country. The Areawide Integrated Pest Management (AIPM) Act of 2018 (H.R.5411) will create a framework to support farmers, ranchers, and land managers by reducing the impact of harmful invasive species. Invasive species cost the U.S. economy an estimated $120 billion every year and damage more than 100 million acres across the country.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said, "In Hawai"i, invasive species like the coffee berry borer, fruit flies, macadamia nut felted coccid, and others have cost our local farmers and agriculture industry millions in lost revenue--putting their livelihoods and our food security at risk. Not only do invasive species cause serious and harmful damage to our farmlands, agricultural production, food supply, environment, and public health, but they have also cost the U.S. economy an estimated $120 billion every year. Our bipartisan legislation will create AIPMs to help farmers, ranchers, and land managers reduce the impact of these harmful invasive species."

"Hawaii's pristine ecosystem fuels many of the drivers of our local economy, including the visitor industry, agriculture and land management. Native and invasive species have long posed a significant threat to our food supply and agricultural exports. Invasive species alter habitats, spread disease, hybridize species, and act as predators, destabilizing our ecosystem," said Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01). "It is critical that government works with all stakeholders to ensure we are implementing policies and executing sustainable strategies to minimize the impact of invasive pests. This legislation helps ensure that we are working together as a community to develop best practices to protect our ecosystem and our economy."

"California produces more than a third of the country's vegetables and two-thirds of the fruits and nuts sold in the United States," said Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-09). "Farmers play an essential role in our local and national economy, and I'm proud to co-sponsor this legislation to assure them we are committed to protecting their livelihoods."

"Currently, citrus greening and other invasive diseases pose a threat to Florida's vital crops and livestock industries. I'm proud to work with Rep. Gabbard and colleagues to find innovative solutions to combat invasive pests. This legislation will support our nation's farmers by expanding access to resources for pest management projects--a desperately needed investment in our economy and livelihood," said Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09).