Bill > SB330

This bill authorizes the Hawaii Department of Agriculture to enforce federal quarantines to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive pests and diseases, particularly those affecting citrus crops. The legislation allows the department to enter into cooperative agreements with federal agencies like the USDA to seize, destroy, or require treatment of articles from federally regulated areas that do not comply with quarantine rules. The bill specifically addresses interstate shipments, prohibiting regulated or restricted articles from entering Hawaii if they are banned from interstate movement under a federal quarantine, and requiring owners or carriers to provide proof of origin for articles from quarantined states. Key terms are defined, including "federal quarantine" (a regulatory action to prevent pest spread), "quarantined state" (an area designated as such by federal authorities), and "regulated or restricted article" (items identified as such by federal agricultural agencies). The bill's context is rooted in protecting Hawaii's agricultural sector, especially its growing citrus industry, from potentially devastating pests like citrus greening, which has already impacted citrus production in many other U.S. states.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=330&year=2025