NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity Plant Quarantine Branch.
Proposed Amendments to Title 4, Subtitle 6, Chapter 71, Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR), entitled “Plant and Non-Domestic Animal Non-Domestic Animal Import Rules” to Add the Insects Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, Culex quinquefasciatus, Aprostocetus nitens, Euselasia chrysippe, and Syphraea uberabensis and the northern largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides salmoides to the List of Restricted Animals (Part A).
Notice is hereby given pursuant to Chapter 91, Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS), and Section 141-2, HRS, that the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (Department or HDAB) will hold a public hearing to receive public testimony from all interested persons on proposed amendments to Title 4, Subtitle 6, Chapter 71, HAR, entitled “Plant and Non-Domestic Animal Quarantine Non-Domestic Animal Import Rules”.
The proposed amendments to Chapter 4-71, HAR are noted below:
1. Adding the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti) to the List of Restricted Animals (Part A).
2. Adding the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) to the List of Restricted Animals (Part A).
3. Adding the southern house mosquito (Culex quinquefasciatus) to the List of Restricted Animals (Part A).
4. Adding the beetle (Syphraea uberabensis) to the List of Restricted Animals (Part A).
5. Adding the butterfly (Euselasia chrysippe) to the List of Restricted Animals (Part A).
6. Adding the stingless wasp (Aprostocetus nitens) to the List of Restricted Animals (Part A).
7. Adding the northern largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides salmoides) to the List of Restricted Animals (Part A).
The public hearing will be held as follows:
October 27, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Plant Quarantine Conference Room,1849 Auiki Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96819
Access to the zoom link for the hearing: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89658812165
Meeting ID: 896 5881 2165
One tap mobile:
US: +12532158782,,89658812165 or +13462487799,,89658812165#
Or Telephone:
Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 253 215 8782 US or +1 346 248 7799 US
International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/klPKzcnV
Copies of the proposed rules may be reviewed by accessing the Department’s website at https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/4-71-HAR-Ramseyer-Final-clean.pdf. or in person, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) from 7:45 a.m. until 4:15 p.m., at the following Department offices until the conclusion of the public hearing:
Oahu- 1428 South King Street, Honolulu Phone: (808) 973-9600
or 1849 Auiki Street, Honolulu Phone: (808) 832-0566
Hawaii- 16E Lanikaula Street, Hilo Phone: (808) 974-4141
or 73-302 Kupipi Street, Kailua-Kona Phone: (808) 326-1077
Kauai- 4398A Pua Loke Street, Lihue Phone: (808) 274-7135
Maui- 635 Mua Street, Kahului Phone: (808) 873-3555
Molokai- Molokai Irrigation Office Phone: (808) 567-9656
801 Puupeehua Ave., Hoolehua
Copies of the proposed rules may also be obtained at the above offices by paying a fee for photocopying or may be sent by mail to any person who requests a copy upon receipt of a fee for photocopying and postage. Requests for mailed copies of proposed rules should be sent in writing to the Plant Quarantine Branch at 1849 Auiki Street, Honolulu, HI 96819 or by calling (808) 832-0566.
All interested parties are urged to attend the hearing and to submit comments orally or in writing. Those persons desiring to submit written testimony may do so prior to the public hearing via postal mail to the Plant Quarantine Branch at 1849 Auiki Street, Honolulu, HI 96819, via FAX at (808) 832-0584 or via e-mail at hdoa.pq.testimony@hawaii.gov. Please include the word “testimony” and the subject matter when submitting testimony by e-mail. If possible, submit 5 written copies of the testimony to staff prior to the meeting. Those persons desiring to present oral testimony at the public hearing are asked to register with staff prior to the convening of the hearing. Written testimony will be accepted up to 11:59 PM, October 26, 2026. Attendance at the public hearing is not necessary to submit testimony.
Special accommodations, such as sign language interpretation, large printing, taped materials, and accessible parking, can be provided if requested at least ten (10) business days prior to the scheduled hearing. This request may be made in writing to the Plant Quarantine Branch at 1849 Auiki Street, Honolulu, HI 96819 or calling (808) 832-0566.
Sharon Hurd
Chairperson, Board of Agriculture
(1538886 – TGI & WHT 9/26/26; SA & HTH 9/27/26)
