HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.C.R. NO. |
231 |
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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HOUSE CONCURRENT
RESOLUTION
REQUESTING HAWAII'S CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO INTRODUCE AND SUPPORT FEDERAL LEGISLATION TO ADDRESS CONCERNS REGARDING THE INSPECTION OF PLANTS AND PRODUCTS FROM FOREIGN COUNTRIES TO PREVENT INVASIVE SPECIES FROM ENTERING THE STATE.
WHEREAS, the threat of invasive species is an ongoing concern that requires vigilant inspection and control of unwanted pests at all points of entry into the state; and
WHEREAS, the federal Plant Protection Act of 2000 preempts any state from regulating foreign commerce to "prevent the introduction or dissemination of a biological control organism, plant pest, or noxious weed"; and
WHEREAS, consequently, the Hawaii Department of Agriculture no longer inspects certain products and produce, including coffee imported from foreign countries that may carry harmful pests into the state; and
WHEREAS, in 2003, the Department of Homeland Security transferred the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) responsibility for inspecting plant products from foreign countries to the federal Customs and Border Protection agency; and
WHEREAS, the elimination of the USDA's inspection authority has left airport passenger and baggage entry ways more vulnerable to penetration by invasive species; and
WHEREAS, invasive species concerns should be addressed by proactive inspection and regulation for both incoming and outgoing products and produce; and
WHEREAS, communication and coordination between federal and state inspectors need to be clarified and improved by implementing a concerted federal and state invasive species action plan to provide the state with adequate protection from invasive species; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-fourth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2007, the Senate concurring, that Hawaii's Congressional Delegation is requested to introduce and support federal legislation concerning the inspection of plants and products from foreign countries, including the establishment of a federal and state invasive species action plan, to prevent the introduction of invasive species from entering into the state; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the state Department of Agriculture is requested to work with its federal counterparts to effectuate this Concurrent Resolution; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to members of Hawaii's Congressional Delegation, Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture, and the Chairperson of the Board of Agriculture.
Invasive Species; Federal Legislation