Bill > SB252

This bill strengthens Hawaii's invasive species prevention and control regulations by expanding the Department of Agriculture's authority to inspect, quarantine, and manage potentially harmful biological materials. The bill broadens the definition of "person" to include various entities and government agencies, and prohibits the importation of any material infested or infected with pests, insects, diseases, or other harmful organisms. It authorizes department inspectors to conduct administrative inspections of persons, baggage, cargo, and other articles moving between Hawaiian Islands or imported from the continental United States, with the goal of preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species. The legislation also establishes new restrictions on selling or transferring pest-infested items, allows the department to compel quarantine or destruction of such materials, and introduces a tiered penalty system with increasingly severe fines for violations, ranging from $100 to $200,000 depending on the nature and intent of the violation. The penalties escalate for repeated offenses, and each day of violation can be considered a separate offense. The bill reflects the legislature's recognition that invasive species pose a significant threat to Hawaii's economy, natural environment, and native species, and aims to provide more robust legal tools to combat this challenge.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=252&year=2026