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HB 1951

RELATING TO BIOSECURITY.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Cory Chun and 5 co-sponsors

Hawaii HB 1951 establishes biosecurity protocols to protect the state's isolated ecosystem and agricultural sector from invasive species and disease threats through multi-agency oversight.

The committee on HED recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 10 Ayes: Representative(s) Garrett, Amato, Evslin, Kapela, Kila, La Chica, Olds, Woodson, Muraoka, Souza; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 0 Excused: none.
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Bill Summary · HB 1951

Legislative bill overview

HB 1951 addresses biosecurity measures in Hawaii, though the specific provisions are not detailed in the available documentation. The bill has advanced through the House Education Committee with recommended amendments and is scheduled for further review by Agriculture and Finance committees.

Why is this important

Biosecurity is critical for Hawaii due to its isolated island ecosystem, agricultural economy, and vulnerability to invasive species and agricultural diseases. Effective biosecurity protections can prevent costly ecological damage, protect local farming, and safeguard public health.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and specificity: Without access to the bill's full text, the exact regulatory requirements, compliance costs, and affected industries remain unclear—amendments suggest initial versions had issues requiring revision
  • Agricultural industry impact: Biosecurity measures may impose compliance burdens on farmers and importers; the balance between protection and economic feasibility will likely be debated
  • Implementation authority: Questions about which agencies enforce biosecurity, inspection protocols, and resource allocation across HED, Agriculture, and Finance committees suggest coordination complexities

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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