Hawaiʻi legislature passes biosecurity bill

The Hawaiʻi State Senate and House of Representatives announced Friday the passage of House Bill 427, aimed at strengthening the state’s biosecurity system to combat invasive species and protect the islands’ environment and agriculture.

House Finance Chair Kyle T. Yamashita (House District 12 – portion of Keahua, Hāliʻimaile, Pukalani, Makawao, Pūlehu, Waiakoa, Kula, Kēōkea, and ‘Ulupalakua) said, “By increasing resources for biosecurity through this bill, we are ensuring that Hawaiʻi can continue to thrive as a leading agricultural state while protecting our natural resources from the growing threat of invasive species.”

Key provisions of HB 427 include:

• Renaming the Department and Board of Agriculture to include “biosecurity”
• Establishing a Deputy Chairperson for Biosecurity to lead efforts in invasive species prevention
• Creating a Biosecurity Emergency Response Program to quickly respond to biosecurity threats
• Increasing penalties for biosecurity violations, improving inspection protocols, and strengthening pest management efforts

“We’re in a state of crisis for biosecurity. Last year, we passed a landmark bill (Act 231); this session we’re sending another bill to the Governor to continue our commitment to fighting invasives, whether it’s coconut rhinoceros beetles, little fire ants, coqui frogs, or whatever. We have to step up our game in keeping these critters and invasive plants out of our islands, so we can keep paradise, paradise,” said Sen. Mike Gabbard (Senate District 21 – Kapolei, Makakilo, Kalaeloa, portions of Fernandez Village, and ‘Ewa), who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment.

“Laulima – many hands – have led us to a compromise everyone can live with. By doing this, we took another important step forward in safeguarding Hawaiʻi’s environment, agriculture, and economy,” said Gabbard.

He thanked Agriculture & Food Systems House Committee Chair, Kirstin Kahaloa, our WAM (Ways and Means) Chair Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz, House FIN (Finance) Chair Kyle Yamashita, the Legislature, HDOA (Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture), and all the stakeholders who collaborated on the bill.

Rep. Kirstin Kahaloa (House District 6 – Hōnaunau, Nāpō‘opo‘o, Captain Cook, Kealakekua, Keauhou, Hōlualoa, Kailua-Kona) said, “HB 427 is a bold and necessary step to protect Hawai‘i’s environment, food security, and way of life. By renaming the Department of Agriculture as the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, we are centralizing our efforts and giving biosecurity the focused leadership it demands. This bill empowers rapid response, improves coordination, and provides the tools we need to keep invasive species out of our islands. With over $36 million in funding secured across the bill and the state biennium budget, Hawai‘i is sending a clear message: we are serious about biosecurity, and we are ready to lead the nation in protecting our natural and agricultural resources.”

“By bolstering the State’s biosecurity efforts, this bill is a reflection of our commitment to increase environmental and economic resilience,” said Sen. Donovan M. Dela Cruz (Senate District 17 – portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipi‘o Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village), chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee. “Feeding our people starts with supporting our local farmers, protecting our native ecosystems, and enabling our local business to expand exports. I am proud to stand beside my colleagues and constituents who have helped advocate for this important legislation.”

The bill now heads to the governor for signing.