HI HB2542

Directs the State Auditor to conduct a financial and performance audit of the Plant Quarantine Branch of the Department of Agriculture, including its biosecurity program and related programs.

Requires the Auditor to submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Governor and Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2017 regular legislative session convenes.

Cites concerns about declining pest and disease interception rates at Hawaii ports, dropping from 3,416 interceptions in fiscal year 2013 to 1,034 in fiscal year 2015.

Emphasizes Hawaii's vulnerability to invasive species given that the state has 38% of the nation's threatened and endangered plants and 41% of endangered birds despite comprising only 0.2% of U.S. landmass.

Effective date of July 1, 2030.