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Witnesses back stronger Akamai arrival rules while airlines seek federal-aligned inspection language
Summary
Supporters and Department staff urged SB2709 to give Hawaii agriculture officials clearer enforcement tools for the Akamai arrival program; Alaska Hawaiian Airlines and others asked for language ensuring aircraft inspections conform to federal aviation safety and TSA requirements.
Supporters of a measure to tighten Hawaii's Akamai arrival biosecurity program told a joint Senate committee on Feb. 13 that clearer state rules would improve prevention of invasive species, while commercial airlines asked for limits so inspections do not conflict with federal aviation operations.
Patrick Chi of the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Hawaii Invasive Species Council testified that SB2709 would strengthen the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity’s (DAB) authority and is “strategic in managing imports,” calling complete enforcement of the Akamai arrival program a cornerstone of biosecurity prevention.
Cedric Gates, speaking for DAB, said the bill’s intent is to create standardized…
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