Bill > HB1449

This bill strengthens Hawaii's plant care component program by expanding the Department of Agriculture's authority to regulate and manage plant care components, which include wood chips, compost, and filter socks used in plant care and propagation. The bill authorizes the department to adopt new rules and establish an administrative penalty structure for violations, with penalties up to $10,000 per offense. It requires that plant care components originating outside the state must be treated either before arrival or immediately upon entering the state to reduce potential pest transmission and improve biosecurity. The legislation mandates certification of treatments for plant care components transported between islands or outside the state, and requires that treated components be stored to prevent re-infestation. Additionally, the bill appropriates funds and establishes new full-time civil service positions within the department's plant quarantine branch to support the implementation of the plant care component program. The provisions are designed to protect Hawaii's agricultural and horticultural industries by ensuring that plant care components are properly treated and monitored, with clear guidelines for treatment, transportation, and enforcement. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2050.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1449&year=2025