HB 775 Summary

• Appropriates $19,780,660 for each of fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to the Department of Agriculture for agricultural biosecurity programs.

• Funds 44 full-time equivalent permanent positions established under Act 231, Session Laws of Hawaii 2024, including plant quarantine inspectors, entomologists, pest diagnostics specialists, and environmental health specialists.

• Supports multiple biosecurity initiatives including risk assessment, pest management systems, brown tree snake and coconut rhinoceros beetle response, little fire ants response, coqui frog response, and invasive species outreach.

• Includes funding for green waste programs, compost reimbursement, public awareness campaigns, technology upgrades, biosecurity facility planning, and import replacement fund.

• Effective July 1, 3000.