S.C.R. No. 215 - Study on DOA Service Reductions

• Requests the Office of the Auditor conduct a study on economic and environmental impacts from Department of Agriculture layoffs affecting the Plant Quarantine Branch and Commodities Branch statewide.

• Directs analysis of environmental impacts including inspection/certification services affected, workforce adequacy, entomologist shortages by island, pest inspection fund compliance, and impacts on invasive species eradication programs.

• Directs analysis of economic impacts including estimated annual losses to businesses, secondary industry effects, unemployment, regional impacts (particularly Kauai losing its only office person), and aquaculture industry layoffs.

• Requires the Auditor to consult with the Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Invasive Species Council, counties, and other relevant government and private sector agencies.

• Study findings must be submitted to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2011 Regular Session convenes.