Project Safe Neighborhoods Reauthorization Act of 2025
In Committee
Introduced:Oct 3, 2025
Primary Sponsor
Jill Tokuda
D - HI
Cosponsors
1
Quick Stats
Policy Area
Environmental Protection
Summary
This bill aims to address the Rapid Ohia Death fungus that has killed over a million native trees in Hawaii. It requires the federal government to partner with Hawaii and the Department of Agriculture to control the spread of the fungus and research how it is transmitted. The bill also provides funding for efforts to restore Hawaii's native forests that have been impacted.
Latest Action
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill aims to address the Rapid Ohia Death fungus that has killed over a million native trees in Hawaii. It requires the federal government to partner with Hawaii and the Department of Agriculture to control the spread of the fungus and research how it is transmitted. The bill also provides funding for efforts to restore Hawaii's native forests that have been impacted.
Last updated: 12/29/2025
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><b>Continued Rapid Ohia Death Response Act of 2023</b></p> <p>This bill establishes requirements to research and control the fungus Ceratocystis, known as Rapid Ohia Death, which has killed more than a million native trees in Hawaii.</p> <p> Specifically, the Department of the Interior must partner with the Department of Agriculture and Hawaii to control and address the fungus.</p> <p>In addition, the U.S. Geological Survey must continue to research Rapid Ohia Death vectors and transmission.</p> <p> The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service must continue to partner with Hawaii and local stakeholders to manage ungulates (e.g., certain mammals such as deer) in Rapid Ohia Death control areas on federal, state, and private land.</p> <p>Finally, the Forest Service must continue to provide (1) financial assistance to prevent the spread of the fungus and to restore the native forests of Hawaii, and (2) staff and necessary infrastructure funding to the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry to research the fungus.</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Requires the Department of the Interior to partner with the Department of Agriculture and Hawaii to control and address the Rapid Ohia Death fungus
Directs the U.S. Geological Survey to continue researching the vectors and transmission of the Rapid Ohia Death fungus
Requires the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to work with Hawaii and local stakeholders to manage certain mammals in Rapid Ohia Death control areas
Provides financial assistance and staffing support from the Forest Service to prevent the spread of the fungus and restore Hawaii's native forests
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
If this bill becomes law, it would primarily impact the people of Hawaii, as the Rapid Ohia Death fungus has devastated the state's native forests. The increased federal involvement and funding would help researchers better understand the disease and enable efforts to protect and restore Hawaii's ecological balance and natural resources.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Environmental Protection
Related Subjects
Animal and plant health
Forests, forestry, trees
Government studies and investigations
Hawaii
Mammals
Research administration and funding
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
1726, 119th Congress (2025). "Project Safe Neighborhoods Reauthorization Act of 2025". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-1726