Bill > HB2497

This bill clarifies that the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, along with counties and their authorized agents, will not be held responsible for costs incurred when entering private property to manage or eliminate pests, a measure intended to encourage collaboration in biosecurity efforts. It also renames existing "government-industry agreements" to "biosecurity government-industry agreements" to avoid confusion and establishes a working group composed of private industry partners who have signed these agreements to participate in joint decision-making processes. The bill also specifies that the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity is responsible for providing education, training, supplies, equipment, and pest management programs to these industry partners, who in turn are expected to contribute manpower, treatment equipment, surveillance, and response readiness.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=2497&year=2026