S.B. 2771 Summary

• Authorizes the Department of Agriculture to establish or participate in public-private partnerships to enhance the biosecurity program and quarantine inspection process, with the requirement that actual inspections be performed only by department employees.

• Requires the Department of Agriculture to adopt rules establishing parameters and construction requirements for biosecurity facilities, including cold storage facilities for agricultural and food commodities at airports and harbors.

• Appropriates funds from general revenues for fiscal year 2016-2017 to support biosecurity program projects including an electronic manifest system for maritime cargo, import replacement of high-risk crops, pesticide research, quarantine treatment development, pest diagnostics, inspection capacity improvements, and industry education.

• Declares the biosecurity program vital to protecting Hawaii's fragile island ecosystem from invasive species threats such as the brown tree snake, coconut rhinoceros beetle, and coqui frog that threaten agriculture, native species, and public health.

• Takes effect July 1, 2016.