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HCR 60

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND BIOSECURITY TO CONVENE A WORKING GROUP TO IMPROVE CONSUMER AWARENESS OF INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES, REDUCE THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES THROUGH PLANT SALES, AND CREATE A COMPREHENSIVE LABELING FRAMEWORK THAT PROVIDES AN INDICATION OF A PLANT SPECIES' INVASIVENESS RISK WHEN SOLD IN THE STATE.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Terez Amato and 12 co-sponsors

Hawaii requests agricultural agency create invasive plant labeling system and consumer awareness program to reduce spread of damaging non-native species through plant sales.

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Bill Summary · HCR 60

Legislative bill overview

HCR 60 requests Hawaii's Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to establish a working group focused on three goals: educating consumers about invasive plant species, preventing invasive species spread through retail plant sales, and developing a labeling system that indicates invasiveness risk for plants sold in Hawaii. This is a concurrent resolution—a request for executive action rather than binding legislation.

Why is this important

Invasive plant species cause significant ecological and economic damage by outcompeting native plants, degrading habitats, and increasing wildfire risk in Hawaii's unique island ecosystem. Consumer awareness and point-of-sale labeling can reduce demand for problematic plants and decrease their establishment in the wild. Hawaii's vulnerability to invasive species—given its isolated ecosystem and agricultural economy—makes this a practical intervention point.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation cost and feasibility: Developing comprehensive invasiveness risk classifications and enforcing labeling across all plant retailers requires resources and scientific expertise; unclear who bears these costs.
  • Plant industry impact: Nurseries and garden centers may face restrictions on selling profitable plants or increased compliance burdens, potentially affecting small businesses and consumer choice.
  • Scientific classification debate: Disagreement may arise over which plants warrant "invasive" labels, as invasiveness risk varies by region and context; some economically important ornamentals have invasive potential.

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

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