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THE SENATE |
S.R. NO. |
43 |
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TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2009 |
S.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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SENATE RESOLUTION
REQUESTING THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY TO COLLABORATE AND SHARE INFORMATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO PREVENT INVASIVE SPECIES FROM ENTERING THE STATE OF HAWAII.
WHEREAS, the spread of invasive species is one of the greatest threats to Hawaii's economy, natural environment, and the health and lifestyle of the people of Hawaii; and
WHEREAS, invasive species require millions of dollars annually in eradication programs, and have led to crop loss, native species extinction, the destruction of native forests, the spread of disease, and the quarantine of exported agricultural crops; and
WHEREAS, invasive species enter Hawaii primarily through air and marine transportation; and
WHEREAS, reports prepared for Congress and the U.S. Department of Agriculture state that invasive species enter Hawaii two million times more rapidly than the natural rate, and establish themselves in Hawaii five hundred times more often than any other state in the nation; and
WHEREAS, the Agriculture Risk Protection Act of 2000, expressly preempted states from controlling, eradicating, or preventing the introduction or dissemination of a plant pest from any foreign origin; and
WHEREAS, in 2003, inspection of all foreign agricultural commodities other than plants intended for propagation was transferred from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Office of General Counsel advised the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to no longer notify the states regarding information on the entry of invasive species on the grounds of federal preemption; and
WHEREAS, since agricultural inspections have shifted to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, pest interceptions have dropped drastically resulting in an influx of invasive species to farms and conservation areas across the nation; and
WHEREAS, taro, and other culturally significant and important agricultural crops in Hawaii, are increasingly vulnerable to pest devastation unless the State of Hawaii is provided a method of protecting its resources; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-fifth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2009, that the Senate respectfully requests that the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security:
(1) Collaborate and share information with the State of Hawaii to improve detection capabilities and maximize opportunities to prevent invasive species from entering the State; and
(2) Expedite planning and construction of joint agency inspection facilities at the ports of entry to house the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Agriculture; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Agriculture is requested to work with federal agencies to effectuate the goals of this measure; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, the Chairperson of the Board of Agriculture, the Director of Transportation, and members of Hawaii's congressional delegation.
USDA; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Invasive Species