Informing the Legislature that on July 3, 2024, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB2546 HD1 SD1 CD1 (ACT 184).

This bill, signed into law as Act 184, authorizes the use of fine meshed nets to protect plants from invasive species like the coconut rhinoceros beetle in Hawaii. The legislation permits this pest control method only if the nets are applied in a way that avoids entangling birds, entering water, or harming native animals such as pollinators and ladybugs. To enforce these safety standards, the Department of Agriculture is required to create specific rules detailing net requirements, including filament diameter, color, and the need for visual cues to prevent accidental entanglement.