Customs and biosecurity ask for overtime funds and describe local inspections, K‑9 support and invasive species response

Customs and biosecurity representatives told the House Ways and Means committee they seek additional overtime funds to cover enforcement, after‑hours inspections and special operations, and described operational arrangements for K‑9 support and invasive‑species responses.

Director Marissa Mendiola (resident director, Department of Finance, presenting divisions) and customs/biosecurity staff explained the $20,000 overtime request is intended to cover enforcement and special operations that cannot be billed to consignees. “We requested those overtime funds for those over‑work hours that are not billable…mostly special operations,” a customs representative said.

Committee members asked whether overtime for vessel inspections can be recovered from consignors; officials said overtime tied to vessel and cargo inspections is billed to consignees when appropriate, but enforcement and other nonreimbursable overtime is borne by the division’s budget. Customs staff said they coordinate regularly with Saipan for K‑9 handlers and training. When invasive species are found in cargo, biosecurity staff said they have sent affected vessels to Guam for cleaning and treatment and billed the consignee for those costs.

Customs officials said they perform inspections in Tinian and do not always rely on Saipan inspectors. They also reported equipment and supply constraints and said procurement and supply requests are handled through central procurement channels; officials said limited local supplies sometimes hamper operations.

The hearing produced no immediate policy changes; committee members suggested evaluating fee structures (harbor/landing fees) and revenue sources that could cover overtime and enforcement costs as DOD activity increases.