S.B. 140 Summary

• Prohibits importation of firewood into Hawaii unless certified as heat-treated by a federal or state agency and labeled accordingly, or authorized by a department of agriculture permit before importation.

• Requires heat-treated firewood labels to include state of origin, heat-treatment certification statement, certifying agency name and certificate number, commodity identification, and manufacturer/packer/distributor name and address.

• Defines "heat-treated" as firewood heated to at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit for 75 minutes at the wood core.

• Requires persons importing firewood into the State to maintain import records for at least two years and make them available to the department upon request.

• Exempts firewood harvested within Hawaii from all requirements; allows department to issue permits for non-compliant firewood if it poses no unacceptable risk of introducing pests or diseases.