HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

100

THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2021

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to inspection fees.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the silent invasion of Hawaii by alien invasive species threatens Hawaii's economy, natural environment, human health, and lifestyle.  The Hawaii interagency biosecurity plan provides a coordinated path forward to increase support for local agriculture, protect the environment, and safeguard for the health and lifestyle of Hawaii's people by protecting against invasive species.  The plan notes that imports to the State, and specifically the importation of plant material, is one of the main pathways for the introduction of harmful pests and diseases, such as coqui frogs (Eleutherodactylus coqui), nettle caterpillars (Darna pallivitta), ohia rust (Austropuccinia psidii), and rapid ohia death (Ceratocystis fimbriata).

     The plan also notes that invasive species have massive economic costs for the State, counties, local industries, and residents.  As of 2016, little fire ants (Wasmannia auropunctata) already cost Hawaii county $174,000,000 per year alone in management costs and economic damage to agriculture, nurseries, residents, and other sectors.

     The legislature further finds that the public are burdened with the economic cost of mitigating and adjusting to invasive species' spread as these species affect agriculture and food security, native ecosystems, property values, and quality of life.  The costs of invasive species prevention and mitigation should be borne at the source of their entry to the State, which is predominantly freight imports.

     The purpose of this Act is to increase the freight import fee to provide additional funding for programs to inspect, quarantine, prevent, and mitigate the impacts of invasive species in the State.

     SECTION 2.  Section 150A-5.3, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:

     "(b)  The fee shall be assessed and collected on the net weight of the imported freight computed on the basis of [75 cents] $1.50 for every one thousand pounds of freight, or part thereof, brought into the State."

     SECTION 3.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Department of Agriculture; Import Fee; Inspection, Quarantine, and Eradication Service Fee and Charge

 

Description:

Increases the inspection, quarantine, and eradication service fee and charge from 75 cents to $1.50 for every 1,000 pounds of freight or part thereof brought into the State.

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.