Hawaii House Bill HCR24

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/22/24
• Refer: 3/8/24
• Report Pass: 3/25/24
• Report Pass: 4/4/24
• Refer: 3/25/24
• Refer: 4/5/24
• Engrossed: 4/4/24
• Report Pass: 4/16/24
• Passed: 4/17/24

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Agriculture To Create A Plan To Develop An Invasive Pests Placard Program And Assess The Resources Needed To Implement The Program.

Impact

If implemented, this resolution would require nurseries and agricultural businesses to display placards detailing their invasive pest classification. This transparency is expected to lead to more informed purchasing decisions by consumers, potentially reducing the spread of invasive species. The Department of Agriculture will also assess the resources needed to implement this program and provide recommendations, which could include new legislation.

Summary

HCR24, known as the concurrent resolution requesting the Department of Agriculture to develop an Invasive Pests Placard Program, aims to address the growing issue of invasive pests in Hawaii. The resolution highlights the rapid spread of these pests, which are harmful to agriculture, public health, and the environment, particularly across areas like Oahu. It emphasizes the necessity for a standardized system to inform the public about the invasive pest status of plants sold by nurseries, farms, and other agricultural entities.

Contention

There may be varying opinions regarding the efficacy and implementation of such a program. Some stakeholders might support the initiative, arguing that increasing public awareness is essential for protecting local ecosystems and agricultural resources. Conversely, there could be concerns about the costs associated with implementing the placard program or the potential burden on small businesses to comply with the new classifications.