H.B. 484 Summary

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

• Department must diagnostically screen tropical plant materials from sources within and outside the State to ensure they are free of harmful insects and diseases before distribution.

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

• Department may adopt rules under chapter 91 to implement the program.

• Appropriates unspecified funds from general revenues for fiscal years 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 to develop and implement the program; takes effect July 1, 2021.