Committee backs funding for UH research into invasive Queensland longhorn beetle after researchers report promising biocontrol results

House Bill 2139, proposing funds for University of Hawaii research on the invasive Queensland longhorn beetle (QLB), moved forward after researchers and natural-resource officials described the pest’s threat to culturally and agriculturally important trees and offered promising early results from a nematode biocontrol.

Patrick Chi of the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Hawaiian Invasive Species Council told the committee QLB “is a significant threat” with more than 20 identified host species and urged prompt research to identify effective control and containment methods. Department of Agriculture staff and agricultural stakeholders reiterated the urgency.

University researchers presented pilot results. Rebecca Ostertag said preliminary trials using nematode bioagents showed improvement in 76% of treated trees in one tested crop (small-sample results reported in testimony). Emma Stierhoff described similar results for another host (reported as ~80% improvement) and said an existing nematode treatment is effective but the delivery method (injection) is time-intensive; HB2139 funding would support research to scale or develop more time‑ and labor‑efficient applications and conduct community outreach and training so growers can treat many trees.

Senators pressed researchers and agency staff on why the study was only being organized now, how long a study would take and whether there are actionable treatments at scale. Researchers said the nematode approach is promising and that, if funded, researchers expect preliminary, scalable results within about a year. Committee members pressed for faster coordination with federal and island partners and asked agencies to clarify earlier detection and response actions.

The committee adopted the chair’s recommendation to advance HB2139 with an amended defective date; the committee recorded the motion as passed.

Next steps requested by the committee included clearer project timelines, anticipated deliverables within 12 months, and a plan for community training and scaling treatments if the research confirms time‑efficient application methods.