HI HB1929

Requires the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to develop a Molokai Biosecurity Plan by July 1, 2027, to prevent invasive species present elsewhere in Hawaii from spreading to Molokai, including coconut rhinoceros beetle, little fire ant, coqui frog, rapid ʻōhiʻa death fungi, and miconia.

Authorizes issuance of general obligation bonds for fiscal year 2026-2027 to fund plans, design, construction, and equipment for a new plant and plant materials quarantine and inspection facility on Molokai.

Appropriates general fund revenues for fiscal year 2026-2027 to establish full-time equivalent positions to staff the quarantine facility and provide biosecurity support services on Molokai.

Molokai currently lacks any plant quarantine or inspection facility and has no dedicated inspection staff, leaving the island vulnerable despite being one of Hawaii's most subsistence-dependent communities.

The biosecurity plan must address high-risk commodity movement, establish inspection and secondary screening processes, create detection and response protocols, and prioritize community and interagency engagement.