HI SR165

Requests the Department of Agriculture to expand plant quarantine facilities administered by the Plant Quarantine Branch to increase capacity for disease-resistant plant stock and response to invasive species threats.

Cites the 2020 discovery of coffee leaf rust pathogen in Hawaii as the first occurrence in the United States, exposing gaps in state quarantine resources and response mechanisms.

Notes that rust-resistant coffee varieties must be quarantined for at least one year unless exempted by the Board of Agriculture, creating demand that exceeds current facility capacity.

Requires the Department of Agriculture to submit a report with findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation regarding quarantine facility expansion to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2023 Regular Session convening.

Directs transmittal of a certified copy of the resolution to the Chairperson of the Board of Agriculture.