Report Title:

Aquaculture; Primary Quarantine and Laboratory Facility

Description:

Appropriates funds to develop the concept of, and conduct a feasibility study, including estimated costs, for, the establishment of a primary quarantine and laboratory facility for aquatic species used in the Hawaii aquaculture industry.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1616
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to aquaculture.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that as the state has transitioned away from plantation agriculture, diversified agriculture has become an essential component of our overall agriculture industry.  Aquaculture, which reached $28,400,000 in wholesale product value in 2005, represents one of the fastest growing sectors of diversified agriculture in the state, with a future brimming with potential.

     However, the legislature finds that much of the aquaculture industry relies on importation of non-native species for stocking material and broodstock.  To protect Hawaii's marine ecosystem, a secure primary quarantine facility to quarantine incoming aquatic species used in aquaculture is needed to allow for inspection and testing by the state aquaculture veterinarian.  In addition, this facility would contain a sophisticated laboratory capable of evaluating and diagnosing diseases and testing disease prevention technologies.  This facility would also assist in complying with any new federal regulations affecting aquatic animal imports and exports.

     The purpose of this Act is to position Hawaii as a continuing leader in commercial aquaculture by appropriating funds to develop the concept of, and conduct a feasibility study that includes cost estimates for, the establishment of a primary quarantine and laboratory facility for aquatic species used in the Hawaii aquaculture industry.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $75,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2007-2008 to develop the concept of, and conduct a feasibility study that includes cost estimates for, the establishment of a primary quarantine and laboratory facility for aquatic species used in the Hawaii aquaculture industry.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2007.

INTRODUCED BY:

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