ROLLING OUT ACT 236 TO BOLSTER HAWAII'S BIOSECURITY NETWORK
- Hawaiʻi State Senate
- 19 hours ago
- 3 min read
HILO, HAWAII – The Senate Committee on Ways and Means received a comprehensive update from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (DAB) on the development of the State's biosecurity network to protect Hawaii's agriculture, people, economy, and unique island biodiversity and environment from pests and invasive species.
Sharon Hurd, Chair of DAB, along with other members from DAB and the State's biosecurity network including from the Department of Health, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, Department of Transportation, and Department of Law Enforcement gathered at Green Point Nursery for a briefing on the strategic plan guiding the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity pursuant to Act 236, Session Laws of Hawaii 2025. Discussions focused on the delivery of pest management plans and a biosecurity dashboard, declaration of biosecurity emergencies, developments of transitional facilities and government industry agreements.
“Our nurseries are a cornerstone of Hilo’s economy, and their success depends on our ability to keep pests like the little fire ant in check,” added Senator Lorraine R. Inouye (District 1 – Hilo, Pauka‘a, Papaikou, Pepe‘ekeo), Chair of the Senate Committee on Water and Land. “The collaboration between the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and the Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association is the kind of proactive partnership we need to keep our growers resilient and our communities safe.”
L-R: DBEDT Deputy Dane Wicker, AG Administrative Services Manager Brenden Kinoshita, DLNR Chair Dawn Chang, DOH Deputy Kathleen Ho, President of the Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association Eric Tanouye, Senator Lynn DeCoite, Senator Kurt Fevella, Senator Joy A. San Buenaventura, Senator Sharon Y. Moriwaki, Senator Michelle N. Kidani, Senator Samantha DeCorte, Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz
Recent legislative support includes the passage of Act 231, Session Laws of Hawaii 2024, appropriating $10 million for targeted biosecurity initiatives, and Act 236, Session Laws of Hawaii 2025, enabling Hawaii's biosecurity network to emulate New Zealand's world class biosecurity system.
“We’re deeply grateful to the Legislature for recognizing the urgency of Hawaii’s biosecurity challenges, providing the resources and tools to protect our people, agricultural industry, and natural environment from pests and invasive species,” said Chair Sharon Hurd, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity.
“For ranchers and farmers across Hawai‘i Island, biosecurity isn’t an abstract policy—it’s our daily reality,” said Senator Herbert M. ‘Tim’ Richards III (District 4 – North Hilo, Hāmākua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, North Kona), Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment. “Protecting our lands and livestock from invasive species and diseases means protecting the pastures that feed our herds, the livelihoods that sustain our rural communities, and the food security of our entire state.
“Biosecurity, biodiversity, and economic development are all inter-connected. By strengthening our biosecurity systems, we’re protecting local production, supporting exports of our unique island-grown commodities, and paving the way for value-added industries that can thrive in global markets.” said Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz (District 17 - Portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipi‘o Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “The Legislature’s continued investments are positioning Hawaii to be global leaders in biosecurity.”