S.B. 479 Summary

• Requires the Department of Agriculture to develop and implement a program to obtain, diagnostically screen, propagate, and distribute disease- and insect-free tropical plant materials to Hawaii farmers.

• Mandates the Department of Agriculture consult with tropical flower and foliage growers and agricultural research entities when developing the program.

• Requires the Department of Agriculture to adopt rules by January 1, 2023 specifying plant species and varieties needing additional regulations, and establishing quarantine requirements, diagnostic measures, and import requirements.

• Appropriates an unspecified amount from general revenues for fiscal years 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 to develop and implement the tropical plant material distribution program.

• Effective date is July 1, 2050.