Recent activity at Hawaii Department of Agriculture
Meetings, budgets, and plans from this organization.
Oct 27, 2026·Board meeting agenda
Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity Meeting Agenda
The meeting agenda includes several administrative and operational requests. Key discussion topics involve the Agricultural Loan Division's requests for direct farm ownership, operating, and emergency loans for various agricultural businesses. The Agricultural Resource Management Division intends to review requests for consent to assign several general leases and a proposal for lease amendments and a thirty-year lease extension. Additionally, the Plant Industry Division will discuss the preliminary review and approval for the placement of a biocontrol wasp species on the list of restricted animals, along with the authorization to schedule public hearings and establish permit conditions. A non-action item regarding updates to the Invasive Species Action Plan is also on the agenda.
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The committee will review requests regarding the potential placement of the wasp Metaphycus macadamiae on the list of restricted animals as a biocontrol agent, including the establishment of permit conditions for its import, possession, and field release. Additionally, the committee will discuss a petition to initiate administrative rule making to implement an interim rule restricting the transportation of plants, soil, gravel, and other Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB) host materials to the island of Molokai to prevent the spread of CRB.
Sep 22, 2026·Board meeting agenda
Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity Agenda
The meeting agenda includes a request for the activation of an emergency loan program to provide relief from recent hurricane and tropical storm effects. Key agenda items also cover agricultural resource management, including consent to assign general leases, acceptance of independent appraisal findings for lease rent, and approval of lease amendments and extensions. Additionally, the board will review and vote on amended interim rules regarding the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle and guidelines for the movement of certain plant species between islands.
Sep 18, 2026·Strategic plan
Department of Land and Natural Resources Testimony
This testimony from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife, addresses a proposed amendment to Interim Rule 26-2 concerning Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB) regulations. The document supports the overall intent to prevent CRB spread and allow specific low-risk plant movements to Maui and Lānaʻi. However, it expresses significant concern regarding the proposed language for "designated CRB infested areas," recommending a more comprehensive definition to include all current and future infested areas across the state to prevent ambiguity and ensure robust protection for uninfested islands. The testimony also highlights the critical need for a statewide regulatory program for CRB, raising alarms about the lapse of Molokaʻi's interim rules and emphasizing the importance of permanent protections to safeguard Hawaiʻi's agriculture, native species, and cultural resources.
