The spread of invasive species in Hawaii is a threat the Department of Agriculture takes seriously.

Coqui Frogs are called the plague on the Big Island and some say Fire Ants are an even bigger problem.

"They are all effecting our economy, environment and it's so important to protect our barriers of incoming cargo," says Rep. Clift Tsuji, South Hilo.

To do that the state ag and some legislators are pushing for a bill to add a 50-cent fee per ton of incoming cargo to the state. Both by sea and by air.

The added funds are then used to beef up inspection, quarantine and erradication.

"This measure would help counter things that are so devastating that we don't have a measure to them," says Carol Okada, Department of Agriculture.

The state is doing all they can right now - but the threat of the brown tree snake has them worried they may not be doing enough.

"We're way short of what we need to combat invasive species.," says Tsuji. We can no longer just rely on general funds alone and that's why it's so important."

There already is a one-dollar charge on all incoming sea containers. But - the State Agriculture Department says adding a fee to air cargo is a must.

"Especially when airport transportation is a very significant pathway for invasive species," says Okada.

The bill must get passed tonight...otherwise it will be dead.

"For invasive species it is everyone's problem, and we would like their support and I think it will do something," says Okada.

There is talk that strong pressure from the airlines against the bill could sway Governor Linda Lingle to veto the measure if it is passed.

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