HI SB252

Prohibits importation of any material infested or infected with insects, pests, or diseases, or that is itself a pest, unless authorized by the Department of Agriculture before importation

Expands DOA inspector authority to administratively inspect persons, baggage, cargo, and other articles arriving from the continental United States or moving between Hawaiian Islands to detect pests and invasive species

Bans the sale, barter, or donation of any item that is a pest, is infested with a pest, or is prohibited from sale, and authorizes DOA to compel quarantine, treatment, or destruction of violating materials at owner's expense

Establishes tiered civil penalties: $100-$10,000 for first-time violations, $500-$25,000 for repeat violations within five years; higher fines of $1,000-$20,000 for reckless violations involving prohibited animals or restricted species

Creates criminal penalties including misdemeanor charges ($5,000-$20,000 fines) for knowing violations and class C felony charges ($50,000-$200,000 fines) for knowingly importing prohibited species with intent to propagate, sell, or release