Bill > HB1832

This bill establishes a new framework for assessing and approving the importation and movement of aquatic livestock, which refers to various species of fish, crustaceans, and mollusks raised for food, restoration, or commercial purposes, to protect Hawaii's unique environment and support its growing aquaculture industry. The Division of Animal Industry within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity will be responsible for creating and implementing this framework, which will categorize species based on their biological aquatic risk, meaning the likelihood and consequences of them becoming established in the wild and causing harm. This will involve developing tiered biocontainment standards, which are measures to prevent the release of aquatic livestock and associated diseases into the environment, and requiring pre-arrival disease testing and inspections. To ensure coordination and efficiency, an interagency working group will be formed, comprising representatives from various state departments, to oversee the process, establish automatic permit approval timelines, and develop performance accountability measures, including specific timelines for reducing permit processing times and achieving zero documented escapement incidents. The bill also appropriates funds to support these new operations and sets an effective date of July 1, 3000, with a reporting requirement to the legislature until June 30, 2030.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1832&year=2026