Bill > HB1449

This bill strengthens Hawaii's plant care component program by authorizing the Department of Agriculture to adopt new rules and administrative penalties related to the treatment and distribution of plant care components, which are defined as wood chips, compost, and filter socks used in plant care and propagation. The bill requires that any plant care components originating outside the state must either be treated before arrival or treated immediately after entering the state, as certified by the department. It establishes administrative penalties of up to $10,000 for violations, with penalties determined by considering the size of the business, impact on the business's ability to continue operations, and the severity of the violation. The bill also appropriates funds for implementing the program and creates new full-time equivalent positions for plant quarantine inspectors within the department's plant industry division. The legislation aims to reduce potential pest transmission and improve the state's biosecurity by ensuring that plant care components are properly treated and monitored before distribution or transportation within or outside of Hawaii. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2050, and does not affect any rights, duties, penalties, or proceedings that existed before its effective date.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1449&year=2026