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HDOA gives Act 231 biosecurity update: contracts, RFPs and proposed bills to expand biosecurity authority
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Summary
Hawaii Department of Agriculture staff updated the board on implementation of Act 231 biosecurity funding and related activities, including contracts and RFPs for pest management, compost programs, traps and diagnostic services, and several pending bills that would expand biosecurity authority and create new programs.
Hawaii Department of Agriculture staff provided a progress report on implementation actions funded under Act 231 and related biosecurity efforts, reporting multiple requests for proposals (RFPs), contracts and program rollouts across islands.
Plant Quarantine Branch Manager Jonathan Hall and other staff summarized the department’s workstreams: contract procurement and planning for brawn tree snake traps and two‑line spittlebug management; a pest diagnostics RFP closing at month‑end; a compost reimbursement program open through May 2025; a contract for removal of dead coconut trees on public lands; and purchase plans for citric acid and other treatment materials. The department said 31 of 42 new position descriptions have progressed and are pending human resources actions to enable recruitment.
Hall also listed proposed or pending legislation that would affect biosecurity functions: HB 427 (rename Department of Agriculture to include Biosecurity and create a deputy for biosecurity and related authorities); SB 252 (administrative inspection/search authority and civil penalties to support inspections); SB 251 (a placarding program similar to DOH signage, with county fallback if the department does not implement); and SB 562 (a nursery registry for sale regulation). Staff said some contracts are finalizing and others were being reissued after procurement issues.
Board members asked about continuity for two‑line spittlebug funding and program timelines; staff said the governor’s budget includes recurring funds in support of ongoing spittlebug work and that program design and RFP work were ongoing. Staff also noted coordination with county partners and that some county offers were declined and being reallocated where appropriate.
Why this matters: The update details near‑term spending and implementation steps for biosecurity threats statewide. The proposed bills would significantly expand administrative authority for inspections, emergency declarations and regulatory programs affecting agriculture and nursery sectors.
Next steps: Staff will continue procurement, finalize contracts and proceed with recruitments; board members requested continued monthly updates.
