summary
Introduced
01/15/2025
01/15/2025
In Committee
03/21/2025
03/21/2025
Crossed Over
03/04/2025
03/04/2025
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Clarifies that the importation of any pest or material infested or infected with an insect or other animal, disease, or pest is prohibited. Authorizes the Department of Agriculture to administratively inspect any article imported or moved into the State from the continental United States or between the Hawaiian Islands. Prohibits the sale, barter, or donation of items or material that is a pest, is infested or infected with a pest, or prohibited from being sold. Authorizes the Department of Agriculture to compel the quarantine, treatment, or destruction of certain materials. Clarifies penalties for various quarantine and import law violations, based in part on whether violations were knowingly committed. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
AI Summary
This bill addresses invasive species prevention and control in Hawaii by expanding the Department of Agriculture's authority to inspect and manage potentially harmful imported materials. The legislation defines "person" broadly to include individuals, corporations, government agencies, and other entities, and prohibits the importation of any material infested or infected with pests, insects, diseases, or other harmful organisms. The bill authorizes the Department of Agriculture to administratively inspect persons, baggage, cargo, and other articles moving between Hawaiian Islands or imported from the continental United States, with the goal of preventing the spread of invasive species. It also establishes new restrictions on selling, bartering, or donating items that are pests or infested with pests, and grants the department power to quarantine, treat, or destroy such materials. The bill significantly increases penalties for violations, with fines ranging from $100 to $20,000 depending on the severity and frequency of the offense, and introduces more stringent consequences for knowingly importing prohibited or restricted animals, plants, or microorganisms. Each violation can constitute a separate offense, and penalties may include additional costs for pest eradication programs. The overall purpose is to protect Hawaii's economy, natural environment, and native species from the serious threats posed by invasive organisms.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Justice
Sponsors (7)
Henry Aquino (D)*,
Carol Fukunaga (D)*,
Mike Gabbard (D)*,
Jarrett Keohokalole (D)*,
Sharon Moriwaki (D)*,
Karl Rhoads (D)*,
Michelle Kidani (D),
Last Action
Report adopted; referred to the committee(s) on FIN as amended in HD 2 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran, Garrett, Kapela, Kitagawa, Ward excused (5). (on 03/21/2025)
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