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HCR 25

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO INCLUDE A SECTION ON DESECRATION LAWS IN THE STATE OF HAWAII PLANT AND ANIMAL DECLARATION FORM.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Terez Amato and 5 co-sponsors

Hawaii legislature requests Department of Agriculture add state desecration law information to visitor plant and animal declaration forms to increase awareness of protections for Hawaii's endemic species.

Received notice of Adoption in House (Hse. Com. No. 819).
#akamaiarrivalprogram #departmentofagriculture #desecrationlaws #stateofhawaiiplantandanimaldeclarationform
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Bill Summary · HCR 25

Legislative bill overview

HCR 25 is a non-binding resolution requesting that Hawaii's Department of Agriculture add information about state desecration laws to the Plant and Animal Declaration Form that travelers complete when entering Hawaii. The resolution has been adopted by the legislature and directs the agency to educate incoming visitors about legal protections for Hawaiian plants and animals.

Why is this important

Hawaii has unique ecosystems with endemic species found nowhere else on Earth, making protection of these resources significant for conservation. Including desecration law information on declaration forms could increase traveler awareness and potentially reduce illegal removal of protected plants, animals, or natural materials—a problem that threatens Hawaii's biodiversity and cultural heritage.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition clarity: The term "desecration" is vague and could encompass multiple types of conduct; the resolution doesn't specify which laws or penalties should be highlighted, leaving implementation discretion to the department
  • Effectiveness questions: Adding a section to a form may have limited practical deterrent effect if travelers don't read it carefully or lack understanding of Hawaii's specific protections
  • Cultural sensitivity: While protecting Hawaiian natural resources aligns with Native Hawaiian values, the resolution's framing and language choices could affect how different communities perceive its intent

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

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