Council Approves First Reading of Fire Ant Bill

Hawai’i County Council passed the first reading of a bill that would provide $90,000 to the county to help battle the Little Fire Ants problem on island.

Hawai’i County Council approved the first reading of the bill during their meeting on Friday at the West Hawai’i Civic Center.

Bill 65 amends a county ordinance relating to the operating budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2016. The bill allows for grant money from the state Department of Agriculture to go towards the county Parks and Recreation Department’s Little Fire Ants Control program.

A representative from county previously told Big Island Now the money would go towards the purchase of equipment and supplies to help battle the pests.

The bill go in front of the council again for a second reading.  If accepted by the council, bill 65 will head to the Mayor’s office to be reviewed.