HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 603 Draft 01 2024-2026
A RESOLUTION URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND BIOSECURITY TO IMPLEMENT AND ENFORCE PLANT QUARANTINE INTERIM RULE 26-1, REGULATING THE TRANSPORTATION OF COCONUT RHINOCEROS BEETLE
HOST MATERIAL ON HAWAIʻI ISLAND.
WHEREAS, the coconut rhinoceros beetle, Oryctes rhinoceros (hereinafter, “CRB”), is an invasive species that feeds on palm trees and other plants by burrowing into and damaging the growing
portions of trees, which can weaken plants, impair growth, and result in significant impacts to their health and survival; and
WHEREAS, CRB also feed on hala, kalo, sugarcane, pineapple, banana, and other agricultural and culturally significant plants, thereby threatening Hawaiʻi Island’s ecosystems, agriculture,
landscaping industries, economy, and food security; and
WHEREAS, CRB larvae were first detected in the Waikōloa area in October 2023, adult CRB were subsequently detected in 2024, and detections expanded to multiple sites outside the Waikōloa
area beginning in March 2025; and
WHEREAS, the detections triggered a multi-agency response from the County of Hawaiʻi, the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (hereinafter, “DAB”), the Hawaiʻi Department
of Transportation, the Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council, CRB Response, and the Big Island Invasive Species Committee; and
WHEREAS, response actions included fumigation of breeding sites, trapping and monitoring efforts throughout West Hawaiʻi, pesticide application to coconut trees, and public outreach;
and
WHEREAS, to stop the spread of CRB, the County adopted a voluntary compliance order for CRB host materials from July 1, 2025, through September 30, 2025; and
WHEREAS, on January 9, 2026, two community organizations, Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund and Pōhaku Pelemaka, submitted a petition for interim rulemaking to regulate the transportation of CRB
host material on Hawaiʻi Island to the State Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity; and
WHEREAS, in response to the confirmed spread of CRB and the petition for interim rulemaking, DAB extended the voluntary compliance order through April 30, 2026, to allow time for interim
rules to be drafted; and
WHEREAS, on March 25, 2026, DAB adopted Plant Quarantine Interim Rule 26-1 pursuant to Section 150A-9.5 of the Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes; and
WHEREAS, Quarantine Interim Rule 26-1 regulates the transportation of CRB host material in a CRB infested area by requiring persons engaging in activities related to CRB host material
to enter into compliance agreements with DAB and complete a required training by May 1, 2026; and
WHEREAS, as of May 26, 2026, the Big Island Invasive Species Committee has conducted twenty-six training sessions and trained one hundred sixty-four individuals from nineteen entities,
which included assisting trainees with completing the compliance agreement forms; and
WHEREAS, DAB’s Plant Quarantine Branch has not designated an employee on Hawaiʻi Island to assist with the implementation of Plant Quarantine Interim Rule 26-1; and
WHEREAS, as of May 26, 2026, DAB’s Plant Quarantine Branch had not approved compliance agreements necessary for businesses and individuals to legally conduct activities involving CRB
host materials pursuant to Interim Rule 26-1, creating uncertainty for regulated parties and limiting implementation of the adopted quarantine measures; and
WHEREAS, the Council recognizes the efforts of community organizations, agricultural producers, and residents who have assisted in CRB response efforts and urges continued collaboration
between the State, County, and local partners to prevent further spread of CRB; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I that, in accordance with Section 150A-9.5 of the Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes, the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity
is hereby urged to immediately implement and enforce Plant Quarantine Interim Rule 26-1.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity is hereby urged to provide public awareness of the requirements of Interim Rule 26-1 and expedite the
issuance of compliance agreements.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity is hereby urged to designate a Plant Quarantine Branch employee who is located on, or regularly travels
to, Hawaiʻi Island as a point of contact to assist businesses, agricultural producers, community organizations, and residents with implementation of Plant Quarantine Interim Rule 26-1.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the County Clerk shall transmit a copy of this resolution to the Honorable Joshua B. Green, M.D., Governor of the State of Hawaiʻi; Sharon Hurd, Chairperson
of the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity; the members of the Hawaiʻi Senate and Hawaiʻi House of Representatives representing the Island of Hawaiʻi; and the Honorable C. Kimo Alameda,
Mayor of the County of Hawaiʻi.
Dated at _____________, Hawai‘i, this ______ day of ___________________, 20___.
INTRODUCED BY:
_______________________________________
JAMES HUSTACE
Council Member
_______________________________________
HOLEKA INABA
Council Member