HI SR164

Request the Office of the Auditor to conduct a performance audit of the Plant Pest Control Branch and Plant Quarantine Branch within the Department of Agriculture's Plant Industry Division.

Audit shall evaluate efficiency and effectiveness of the Plant Pest Control Branch in adopting rules, designating pests for control or eradication, providing assistance for pest control, developing control programs, treating little fire ants, conducting programs on private property, controlling invasive plants, and preventing introduction of noxious weeds.

Audit shall evaluate the Plant Quarantine Branch's performance in implementing risk analysis processes, incorporating data-driven monitoring, operating databases, determining necessary personnel, developing policies and procedures, providing staff training, reviewing and updating policies, processing electronic permit applications, and preventing sale of infested commodities.

Department of Agriculture has failed to submit required annual biosecurity program reports to the Thirty-Second Legislature as mandated by Hawaii Revised Statutes section 150A-57.

Auditor shall submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the convening of the Regular Session of 2025.