HI HB1940

Appropriates $2,400,000 from the agricultural development and food security special fund for fiscal year 2012-2013 to fund 38 plant quarantine inspectors and 3 support staff positions.

Establishes that current agricultural inspector staffing levels are approximately 50 percent of what is necessary to effectively inspect incoming cargo at Hawaii's ports.

Identifies Honolulu International Airport and Honolulu Harbor as critical biosecurity chokepoints, handling approximately 30 times more cargo than Kahului Airport despite having comparable inspector staffing levels.

Requires the department of agriculture to submit a status update on agricultural inspection activities to the legislature no later than 20 days before the 2013 regular session convenes.

Becomes effective February 1, 2050.