A bill that would have subsidized little fire ant treatments for Big Island residents died after failing to pass two committees in the state Senate.
The Agriculture and Energy and Environment committees both deferred the measure, which had passed the House, on Thursday.
Rep. Richard Onishi, who introduced the bill, said he was disappointed.
“The Big Island is where we have the biggest unchecked problem,” he said, adding he thought the state isn’t doing enough to help.
Puna Sen. Russell Ruderman, who chairs the Agriculture Committee, said the bill was killed because it had far more opposition than support. He said there were concerns about the cost and whether providing coupons for pesticides was the best method.
“I’m all for fighting fire ants tooth and nail, but nobody felt like this was the right approach,” he said.
Onishi, D-Hilo, Keaau, Volcano, said it’s possible additional state funds could be tapped to try to combat the invasive species, but it’s unlikely those efforts will be as widespread as what he proposed.
Much of East Hawaii is home to little fire ants, where they were first detected 16 years ago.
The Hawaii Ant Lab, Big Island Invasive Species Committee and other groups currently are trying to eliminate the ants from Naalehu, where the infestation remains limited.
Additionally, Hawaii County is trying to remove the ants at several East Hawaii parks, but the continuation of that effort past the end of year is dependent on grant funds.
While the cost of Onishi’s proposals wasn’t clear, he said the state needs to do more to help Big Island residents combat the ants, considered one of the world’s worst invasive species, in areas where infestations already are well established.
“The whole idea was for us to be proactive in helping our residents,” he said. “It’s unfortunate the Senate didn’t see it the same way.”
Springer Kaye, BIISC manager, said the group currently is trying to organize additional communities and neighborhoods to coordinate fire ant treatments.
Those interested can call 933-3340.
For additional information about combating fire ants, visit littlefireants.com.
Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.