Invasive species fee may be added to shipping containers

The Maui News
Tuesday, June 05, 2007

HONOLULU – Marine shipping containers coming into the state would be subject to a new invasive species fee, under a bill approved by the Legislature this year.

Shippers would be charged $1 for every 20-foot container unit, with the money going to a new "pest inspection, quarantine and eradication fund." The idea is to create a self-funding program stopping invasive species from being imported into Hawaii, said Sen. J. Kalani English, who represents Upcountry, East Maui, Molokai and Lanai and who co-introduced the bill.

"We need to deal with this from a different angle," he said. "Yes, we need to eradicate, but we also need to prevent."

Senate Bill 1066 was passed by the Legislature May 1 and is pending action by Gov. Linda Lingle.

English said that with so many containers shipped into Hawaii, the $1 fee would add up to "a lot of money."

"The idea behind it is it's self-sustaining," he said.

Central Maui Sen. Shan Tsutsui, who co-introduced the bill, said the fee was "relatively small" but still would help.

"I don't think the intent was for the dollar fee to cover the entire cost, but to subsidize other appropriations for invasive species," he said.

He said the bill was introduced in the hopes of slowing the spread of invasive pests.

"As it gets easier for not only passengers but also cargo to transfer throughout the state, bills like this will help ensure we protect each island," he said.

Copyright © 2005 The Maui News.

Original article URL: http://www.mauinews.com/story.aspx?id=30957

Return to Sen. English Home Page - KalaniEnglish.com

Home Bills and Resolutions About Senator English Committees Community Profiles Newsletter Archive News Archive Capitol Web Site Media Photos

Connect with Senator English

OUR DISTRICT