URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO ADOPT PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 4-72, HAWAII ADMINISTRATIVE RULES, THAT PROVIDE IMPORTANT AUTHORITIES FOR THE DEPARTMENT TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF INSECTS, DISEASES, AND OTHER INVASIVE PESTS WITHIN THE STATE.

This Senate Resolution urges the Hawaii Department of Agriculture to adopt proposed rule changes that would give the agency stronger authority to stop the spread of invasive pests like the coconut rhinoceros beetle, coqui frog, and little fire ants. The key provision would allow the department to legally prevent the sale of merchandise, such as plants, that are known to be infested with these pests, moving beyond its current practice of relying on voluntary compliance from sellers. While the rules would apply to businesses selling directly to the public, they would not restrict sales at farms or ranches that do not sell on-site. The resolution also requests that copies of this urging be sent to the Governor, the Board of Agriculture, and county mayors.