HI SR163

Urges the Department of Agriculture to adopt proposed amendments to chapter 4-72, Hawaii Administrative Rules, to prevent the spread of invasive pests including coconut rhinoceros beetle, coqui frog, and little fire ants.

Proposed amendments were unanimously approved by the Advisory Committee on Plants and Animals (February 15, 2023), Board of Agriculture (February 28, 2023), and Small Business Regulatory Review Board (May 30, 2023), with public testimony opportunities.

Amendments authorize the Department to prevent the sale of pest-infested merchandise by businesses selling directly to the public, such as infested plants, without applying to farms or ranches not selling on-site.

Department held a noticed public hearing on the proposed amendments on January 30, 2024, and the Legislature recognizes these rules are urgently needed to address rapidly spreading pests.

Directs transmission of certified copies to the Governor, Chairperson of the Board of Agriculture, and county Mayors.