HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.R. NO.

122

TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2015

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

HOUSE RESOLUTION

 

 

REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO CONDUCT A FINANCIAL AND MANAGEMENT AUDIT OF THE PLANT QUARANTINE BRANCH OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND EVALUATE A PROPOSAL TO MOVE THE PLANT QUARANTINE BRANCH TO THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION.

 

 

 


WHEREAS, Hawaii's tourism industry heavily relies on Hawaii's unique environment; and

 

     WHEREAS, there are more endangered species in the State of Hawaii than in any other state in the United States, and of all the plants and birds known to be extinct in the United States, two-thirds are from Hawaii; and

 

     WHEREAS, introduced, non-native species have and will continue to have devastating impacts on Hawaii's agriculture, natural environment, economy, public health, and quality-of-life; and

 

     WHEREAS, once established, invasive species cause millions of dollars in damage to agriculture and the environment, serious public concerns, and cannot readily be eradicated; and

 

     WHEREAS, without vigilant inspection, the public health, safety, and welfare is in danger from introduction and establishment of these insects, diseases, viruses, and prohibited and restricted plants and animals; and

 

     WHEREAS, the only two pathways for introduced, non-native species to arrive in Hawaii are through air and maritime transportation; and

 

     WHEREAS, air transportation has been proven to be the highest-risk pathway, transporting introduced species that are much more likely to become established, as well as various illegal plants and animals; and

 

     WHEREAS, the inspection at the marine ports is considered the most effective quarantine measure to reduce entry of unwanted animals and plants into Hawaii; and

 

     WHEREAS, the community and the Legislature feel that the importance of prohibiting non-native species is a priority and is required at all ports; and

 

WHEREAS, members of the agricultural sector, environmental sector, and the community have expressed concern over the Department of Agriculture's lack of transparency and progress on the implementation of the biosecurity program established pursuant to section 150A-51, Hawaii Revised Statutes; and

 

     WHEREAS, specifically, there are increased concerns about the Department of Agriculture's inability to hire inspectors in a timely manner; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-eighth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2015, that the Auditor is requested to conduct a financial and management audit of the Plant Quarantine Branch of the Department of Agriculture; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature requests that the audit include:

 

     (1)       A discussion on the current state of the Plant Quarantine Branch of the Department of Agriculture;

 

     (2) Recommendations on the necessary resources needed for the Plant Quarantine Branch to fully and properly carry out its purpose and responsibilities pursuant to chapter 150A, Hawaii Revised Statutes; and

 

     (3)  An evaluation of a proposal to move either part or all of the functions of the Plant Quarantine Branch to the Department of Transportation; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Auditor is requested to submit any findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Governor and the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2016; and

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, the Auditor, and the Chairperson of the Board of Agriculture.

 

 

 

 

OFFERED BY:

_____________________________

 

 

Report Title: 

Plant Quarantine Branch Audit