Bill > HB1427

This bill addresses the growing concern of avian influenza (bird flu) in Hawaii by appropriating funds to the Department of Health and Department of Agriculture to prevent, monitor, and respond to the virus. The bill highlights that as of January 20, 2025, bird flu has been detected in every U.S. state, affecting 928 dairy herds and over 136 million poultry, with Hawaii first confirming the H5N1 virus in a backyard flock in November 2024. The legislation notes that while the CDC has reported 67 confirmed human cases (mostly among farm workers) with a low current public risk, close monitoring is crucial. The bill aims to support enhanced biosecurity, increased testing of birds, humans, and wastewater, and public education about bird flu. Specifically, it appropriates an unspecified amount of general state revenues for fiscal year 2025-2026 to be used by both the Department of Health and the Department of Agriculture for prevention, monitoring, and response efforts, with the act set to take effect on December 31, 2050.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1427&year=2026