Bill > SB177

This bill establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for importing and managing aquatic livestock in Hawaii by granting the Division of Animal Industry new authorities and responsibilities. The bill defines key terms such as "aquatic livestock" (various species of fish, crustaceans, and mollusks raised for commercial purposes), "biocontainment" (methods to prevent the release of infectious species and pathogens), and "biological aquatic risk" (the potential consequences of introducing new aquatic species). The Division of Animal Industry will be authorized to develop and implement an assessment and approval process for importing aquatic livestock, which will include pre-arrival disease testing, entry and post-arrival inspections, and the ability to quarantine or depopulate animals if necessary. The Aquaculture Program within the Department of Agriculture will be tasked with developing a risk-based framework that categorizes aquatic livestock species based on the probability and potential consequences of establishing a feral population, and will also create biocontainment standards with specific physical and operational requirements. The bill considers relevant USDA standards, current industry policies, best practices, and the protection of indigenous species in its approach. To support these new responsibilities, the bill appropriates funds for the Division of Animal Industry to develop the required biological aquatic risk-based framework during fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027.

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

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=177&year=2026