Bill > SB2709

This bill mandates that the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (DAB) establish rules to enforce the Akamai Arrival Program, which is a digital system for biosecurity declarations, and to strengthen the enforcement of regulations concerning the importation of plants, non-domestic animals, and microorganisms into Hawaii. The bill amends existing laws to change "may" to "shall" in various sections, indicating that the department is now required to take certain actions rather than having the option to do so, such as adopting rules for inspections, requiring permits for restricted articles, and confiscating or destroying prohibited items. It also clarifies that the biosecurity declaration will be administered digitally through the Akamai Arrival Program and makes other adjustments to existing biosecurity laws, including those related to transitional facilities and biosecurity compliance auditors.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2709&year=2026