Hawaii advisory committee backs permit recommendation for Aloha Bison to import 27 plains bison

The advisory committee on plants and animals at the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity voted to recommend approval of an application that would allow Aloha Bison to import and possess 27 plains bison for breeding and commercial meat production at a leased portion of G Tree Ranch on Oahu’s North Shore.

Jessica Amira, land vertebrae specialist for the quarantine branch, told the committee the request seeks two actions: to permit importation and possession of 27 plains bison (an animal listed on the restricted animals list, Part B) and to update permit conditions for commercial and breeding operations. She described the proposed facility at 67-150 Farrington Highway in Wailua, provided tax-map keys the applicant supplied, and outlined biosecurity measures including PQV-approved perimeter fencing, electric fencing in high-risk areas, secure holding pens, annual staff biosecurity training, visitor check-in procedures, disinfected transport protocols and remote perimeter monitoring.

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