HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2139
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to invasive species.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. Chapter 150A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§150A-    Invasive species inspection placard program. (a) The department of agriculture shall establish and implement an invasive species inspection placard program to:

(1) Enhance the control, removal, and eradication of invasive species on the premises of an agricultural producer; and

(2) Inform the public of the most recent invasive species inspection results for agricultural producers.

(b) In establishing the invasive species inspection placard program, the department shall develop a system to:

(1) Conduct inspections annually or in response to a complaint on the premises of an agricultural producer to determine if any invasive species are on the premises of the agricultural producer; and

(2) If any invasive species are found, allow for the removal or eradication of any discovered invasive species by the agricultural producer within a time period as determined by the department.

(c) The department shall issue to the agricultural producer a corresponding color coded placard indicating the compliance status of the agricultural producer after completion of the inspection or after the allowed time period to remove or eradicate the discovered invasive species.

(d) The department shall post the results of all invasive species inspections conducted pursuant to this section on the department's website and update the results upon completion of each inspection.

(e) The department shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 necessary for the implementation of this section.

(f) As used in this section:

"Agricultural producer" means a farmer, cooperative association, or landowner who derives at least fifty per cent of its gross income from agricultural activities conducted within the State.

"Invasive species" means any animal, insect, disease agent, or other organism in any stage of development that is detrimental or potentially harmful to agriculture."

SECTION 2. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Department of Agriculture; Invasive Species; Inspections; Placard Program

Description:

Requires the Department of Agriculture to establish and implement an invasive species inspection placard program to enhance the control, removal, and eradication of invasive species on the premises of an agricultural producer and inform the public of the most recent invasive species inspection results for agricultural producers.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.