Informing the Legislature that on July 3, 2024, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB2079 HD1 CD1 (ACT 196).

This bill, signed into law on July 3, 2024, updates Hawaii's regulations regarding the importation of plants and animals to strengthen biosecurity measures. It requires individuals and companies bringing in specific items like nursery stock, live animals, or raw agricultural products to immediately notify the state department upon arrival and hold the items for inspection until pests are ruled out. The law also mandates that transportation companies provide declaration forms to all passengers and crew before they disembark, while the state department gains authority to set rules requiring permits or registration for certain restricted articles. These changes directly affect travelers, shipping companies, and importers by establishing clearer protocols for declaring and inspecting biological materials entering the state.