HB 1449 Summary

• Authorizes the Department of Agriculture to adopt rules establishing a plant care component program, including fee schedules, treatment requirements, certification procedures, and enforcement mechanisms.

• Prohibits distribution of plant care components (wood chips, compost, or filter socks) originating outside Hawaii unless treated before entering the State or treated immediately upon arrival with department certification.

• Requires certification from the Department of Agriculture before transporting plant care components between islands or from Hawaii to locations outside the State; components must be stored to prevent post-treatment infestation.

• Establishes administrative penalties up to $10,000 per violation, with consideration given to business size, effect on business ability to operate, and violation severity; violations may result in civil court action for penalty recovery.

• Appropriates funds and establishes new plant quarantine inspector positions within the Department of Agriculture's plant industry division to implement the plant care component program; effective July 1, 2050.