Bill > SCR172

This Concurrent Resolution requests the Department of Agriculture to expand the plant quarantine facilities managed by its Plant Quarantine Branch, which is the state agency responsible for detecting and eliminating invasive species that could harm Hawaii's environment and economy. The resolution highlights that as an island state, Hawaii is vulnerable to invasive pests entering through its ports, and recent events like the discovery of coffee leaf rust in 2020 exposed existing gaps in the state's ability to respond to new threats. Expanding these facilities is seen as crucial to better manage the demand for disease-resistant plants, respond to newly detected invasive species, and prevent their spread, ultimately saving the state money in the long run by avoiding more costly mitigation efforts once species are established. The Department of Agriculture is also asked to report its findings and recommendations regarding this expansion to the Legislature by early 2023.