HI HR35

Request Department of Agriculture to submit a report to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2016 Regular Session convening on progress and implementation plans for Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service recommendations for the Animal Quarantine Station.

Report must include actions taken, implementation timeline, funding requirements, proposed legislation needed, and other matters pertinent to improving quarantine facilities and procedures.

Background notes that the Animal Quarantine Station has kept Hawaii rabies-free for over 100 years by requiring dogs, cats, and other carnivores from the U.S. to be confined for up to 120 days upon arrival.

Identifies existing facility concerns including cement floors that may harbor bacteria, lack of air conditioning, inadequate pen sizes, and excessive heat exposure.

References a 2014 inspection by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service whose recommendations are to be prioritized for facility improvements.