SB 252 Summary

• Clarifies that importation of any pest or material infested/infected with insects, animals, diseases, or pests into Hawaii is prohibited unless authorized by the Department of Agriculture in advance.

• Authorizes the Department of Agriculture to conduct administrative inspections of persons, baggage, cargo, and articles imported into the State from the continental United States or moved between Hawaiian Islands to detect pests and invasive species.

• Prohibits the sale, barter, donation, or public distribution of any item or material that is infested/infected with a pest, is itself a pest, or is prohibited from being sold under this chapter.

• Authorizes the Department of Agriculture to compel quarantine, treatment, or destruction of contaminated materials at the owner's expense and clarifies that such actions cannot be basis for claims against the department.

• Restructures and increases penalties for violations, ranging from $100-$10,000 for general violations to felony charges and fines up to $200,000 for knowingly importing prohibited pests with intent to propagate, sell, or release them.