HB 544 Summary

• Amends Hawaii's plant and animal importation regulations to require the State of Hawaii Plant and Animal Declaration Form to be distributed electronically rather than in paper form prior to passenger and baggage debarkation.

• Changes the process for collecting completed declaration forms so they are electronically transmitted to quarantine inspectors before debarkation instead of being physically delivered immediately upon arrival.

• Clarifies language throughout the statute by replacing outdated references with modern terms (e.g., "such" replaced with "the" or "another").

• Makes minor technical edits to align requirements, including provisions for restricted articles requiring permits or authorization prior to importation and inspector authority to examine baggage and cargo for prohibited items.

• Takes effect June 30, 3000.