HI HR121

Requests the Department of Agriculture to convene a task force to examine the feasibility of transferring the Plant Quarantine Branch from the Department of Agriculture to the Department of Transportation.

Task force membership includes the Chairperson of the Board of Agriculture (as chair), the Director of Transportation, the Chief of the Plant Quarantine Branch, and one member each appointed by the Governor, President of the Senate, and Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Task force must submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Governor and Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the 2016 Regular Session convening.

Establishes that the Plant Quarantine Branch currently prevents introduction and spread of harmful pests and diseases into Hawaii and certifies plants for export, but faces concerns about inspector hiring delays and lack of transparency regarding the Biosecurity Program.

Identifies that the Department of Transportation has a federal mandate from the Federal Aviation Administration to reduce or eliminate invasive species introduction at state airports, suggesting a potential organizational fit for plant quarantine functions.