releases: https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-introduces-bill-help-protect-hawai-i-s-vital-ecosystems
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-introduces-bill-help-protect-hawai-i-s-vital-ecosystems | Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Introduces Bill to Help Protect Hawaiis Vital Ecosystems from Invasive Species | 2020-12-10 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | HI | Tulsi Gabbard | G000571 | gabbard.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DCThis week, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) introduced H.R.8887, the Areawide Integrated Pest Management Act which would create a framework within the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture Crop and Pest Management Program to support farmers, ranchers, and land managers in pursuit of long-term and sustainable solutions to fighting invasive species. Invasive species are a challenge faced by states across this country, but none more so than in Hawaii where our unique and delicate environment and economy can be ravaged by these pests. This bill will help protect our farms and public lands which are vital to growing food to feed our families, protecting public forests, and strengthening the agriculture sector of our economy,said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. Invasive species require an all-hands community response. My bill will help harness community awareness, expertise, and resources required to monitor and rapidly prevent and suppress infestations that threaten our crops, agriculture, and forests. Background:H.R.8887, the Areawide Integrated Pest Management Act creates a framework within the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Crop and Pest Management Program to: Implement a carefully managed program to foster best AIPM practices in cooperation with local grower and regulator groups Empower end-users farmers, ranchers, dairymen, and land managers to take a larger role in creating solutions for their agricultural businesses and industries Increase the return on investments for farmers, ranchers, dairymen, and land managers by providing them with multiple invasive species management options Support long-term and sustainable solutions to reduce invasive species impacts on agriculture, including grazing, dairy farming, and natural resources Support improved use of federal dollars through competition to control and/or eradicate invasive species Protect human health and the environment Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has been a leader in Congress on combating invasive species and fighting for sustainable agriculture. In Hawaii, invasive species, including the two-lined spittlebug, coffee berry borer, coffee leaf rust, little fire ant, fruit flies, and macadamia felted coccid and others cost our local farmers and agriculture industry millions in lost revenue every year, threaten Hawaii's unique ecosystems, agriculture, and waterways, as well as our food supply and public health. Rep. Gabbard successfully included the Coffee Plant Health Initiative (CPHI) and Macadamia Tree Health Initiative (MTHI) in the 2014 and 2018 Farm Bills. The CPHI and MTHI authorized research and extension grants to develop ways to combat the coffee berry borer and the macadamia felted coccid. Implementation of both initiatives are being carried out by scientists in Hawaii. She also introduced the Spittlebug Act, which is modeled after the CPHI and MTHI. About Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is serving her fourth term in the United States House representing Hawaii's Second District, and serves on the House Armed Services and Financial Services Committees. She previously served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Homeland Security Committee. She was elected to the Honolulu City Council in 2010, and prior to that at age 21, was elected to the Hawaii State Legislature in 2002, becoming the youngest person ever elected in the state. Tulsi Gabbard has served in the Hawaii Army National Guard for over 17 years, is a veteran of two Middle East deployments, and continues to serve as a Major in the Army Reserves. Learn more about Rep. Tulsi Gabbard... Follow Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on social media: ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |