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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1568 |
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TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2011 |
H.D. 2 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 2 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The efficient and secure movement of agricultural commodities--whether imported into the State, exported out of the State, or transported between the islands of the State--is key to the long-term viability of Hawaii's agriculture industry. Inefficiencies in cargo transportation increase the cost of goods and raise the risk of spoilage and loss. Consumers and retailers demand safe food products; farmers and wholesalers follow food-safety guidelines and regulations. The transportation of agricultural commodities from producer to consumer cannot be the weak link in the system.
The inspection and proper treatment of incoming and outgoing commodities reduce the probability of the introduction of new pests to Hawaii's agricultural industry and reduce the likelihood of a quarantine on Hawaii's exported goods. In addition, export commodities need to be inspected by the United States Department of Agriculture or state department of agriculture to meet the applicable domestic or foreign quarantine or restriction.
Currently, there are only two pathways for introduced species to arrive in the State: air and sea transportation. Air transportation has been proven to be the highest risk pathway, transporting introduced species, invasive species and pests, various illegal plants and animals, and a higher quantity of non-native pests, which are more likely to become established in our islands. Each year, eighty per cent of the insects intercepted by inspectors are at Hawaii's airports.
The legislature finds that the Federal Aviation Administration is moving toward a sustainable airport concept that implements sustainable principles as part of airport planning, the core principles or which are:
(1) Protecting the environment;
(2) Maintaining high and stable levels of economic growth; and
(3) Social progress that recognizes all stakeholders' needs.
This program makes these issues a core objective of the airport and not a secondary concern.
The purpose of this Act is to initiate and continue the implementation of biosecurity facilities at Hawaii's ports and applicable off-port locations. These facilities would be in accord with section 150A-53(2) and (4), Hawaii Revised Statutes, which directs the department of agriculture to:
"(2) Establish, operate, or participate in operating port-of-entry facilities where multiple government agencies may inspect, quarantine, fumigate, disinfect, destroy, or exclude as appropriate, articles that may harbor pests or exclude articles that are prohibited or restricted without a permit, with the goals of:
(A) Performing inspections in an efficient, effective, and expeditious manner for the government agencies involved and for cargo owners, carriers, and importers; and
(B) Providing for the proper and safe storage and handling of cargo, especially agricultural and food commodities, awaiting inspection;
. . .
(4) Collaborate with relevant government agencies, agricultural commodity importers, and other persons to examine and develop joint integrated systems to better implement the biosecurity program".
SECTION 2. The director of finance is authorized to issue general obligation bonds in the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary is appropriated for fiscal year 2011-2012 for the department of transportation to design and construct biosecurity and inspection facilities for the department of agriculture at airports and harbors.
SECTION 3. The appropriation made for the capital improvement project authorized by this Act shall not lapse at the end of the fiscal biennium for which the appropriation is made; provided that all moneys from the appropriation unencumbered as of June 30, 2014, shall lapse as of that date.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2117.
Report Title:
Biosecurity and Inspection Facilities
Description:
Authorizes the issuance of an unspecified sum of general obligation bonds for the department of transportation to design and construct biosecurity and inspection facilities for the department of agriculture at airports and harbors. Effective 7/1/2117. (SD2)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.