Written Testimony Deadline for Hawaii's Alien Species Import Rule Changes Is October 26: Submit by Midnight, Hearing the Next Day in Honolulu
Hawaii residents who wish to submit written testimony on two proposed changes to the state's alien species import rules have until 11:59 p.m. Hawaii time on Monday, October 26; late submissions will not be included in the record for this rulemaking. The changes are being heard by the Plant Quarantine Branch of the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, under the authority of the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity, and involve list adjustments in Chapters 4-71 and 4-71A of the Hawaii Administrative Rules. One proposal would place seven insect and fish species on the restricted animal list, while the other would move the Beauveria fungus strain ANT-03 from the restricted microorganism list to the nonrestricted list. A species' placement on these lists directly affects the permits and safeguards required for it to enter Hawaii, and as an island state, Hawaii's agriculture, native ecosystems, aquaculture, and public health are especially sensitive to the introduction of alien species — which is precisely why the rulemaking must proceed with care. A hybrid hearing is set for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 27, in the Plant Quarantine conference room at 1849 Auiki Street in Honolulu, with an online participation option; the notice makes clear that written testimony may be submitted without attending the hearing. Residents submitting testimony should use the email, fax, or mailing channels published in the notice, specify the chapters and species involved and the list entries cited, and state the corrections, safeguards, or explanations they are seeking; those testifying orally should register with staff before testifying.
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
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