Bill > HB47

This bill authorizes the Division of Animal Industry within Hawaii's Department of Agriculture to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for importing and managing aquatic livestock, which are defined as various species of fish, crustaceans, and mollusks raised for commercial purposes. The legislation introduces new definitions like "biocontainment" (methods to prevent release of infectious aquatic species and pathogens) and "biological aquatic risk" (assessing potential harm from aquatic species), and requires the state's Aquaculture Program to develop a risk-based assessment process. This process will include pre-arrival disease testing, entry and post-arrival inspections, and potential quarantine or depopulation of aquatic animals if necessary. The bill directs the division to consider United States Department of Agriculture standards, current aquaculture policies, industry best practices, and protection of indigenous species when developing the framework. Existing aquatic animal import permits that were previously vetted and approved will be carried over to the new system. The legislation also appropriates funds for developing this risk-based framework and grants the Division of Animal Industry the authority to adopt, amend, and repeal rules to implement these new aquaculture regulations, ultimately aiming to enhance the state's aquaculture industry while minimizing potential environmental and biological risks.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=47&year=2025