Bill > SB251

This bill requires the Department of Agriculture to establish an Invasive Species Placard Program for plant nurseries to prevent the spread of pests and inform the public about the pest status of nursery locations. The program will use a color-coded placard system (green, yellow, and red) that must be conspicuously displayed at locations selling nursery stock, with each color representing different levels of compliance with pest management standards. The department will conduct administrative inspections and can issue requirements for locations receiving a red placard, which may include quarantining, treating, or destroying pest-infested plants. Nursery stock owners will receive written notice detailing specific violations and have the opportunity to request an inspection or contest the placard through a hearing process. The bill also establishes that if the department does not implement the program within a specified timeframe, counties may adopt their own invasive species placard programs. The legislation aims to protect Hawaii's $81 million nursery industry by reducing the spread of invasive species like little fire ants and coqui frogs, which can damage plants and impact agricultural businesses. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for inspection fees, administrative fines, and a broad definition of "nursery stock" to comprehensively address potential pest transmission.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=251&year=2025