Hawaii · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
SB 2709: RELATING TO BIOSECURITY.
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
SB 2709 is a bill introduced in the Hawaii Senate on January 23, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: RELATING TO BIOSECURITY. Primary sponsor: Mike Gabbard (Democratic), Stanley Chang (Democratic), Troy Hashimoto (Democratic), Sharon Moriwaki (Democratic). It lists 2 additional sponsors. Most recent recorded action (February 20, 2026): Reported from AEN/TRS (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2562) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Requires the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to establish rules to enforce the Akamai Arrival Program. Requires DAB to strengthen enforcement of plant and non-domestic animal quarantine and microorganism importations. (SD1)
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 6
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mike Gabbard | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 21 |
| Stanley Chang | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 9 |
| Troy Hashimoto | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 5 |
| Sharon Moriwaki | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 12 |
| Joy San Buenaventura | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 2 |
| Glenn Wakai | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 15 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Reported from AEN/TRS (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2562) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM.
- Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM.
- The committee(s) on TRS recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in TRS were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Inouye, Elefante, Kanuha, Lee, C., DeCorte; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none.
- The committee(s) on AEN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in AEN were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Gabbard, Richards, DeCoite, Rhoads, Awa; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none.
- The committee(s) on AEN/TRS deferred the measure until 02-17-26 3:02PM; Conference Room 229 & Videoconference.
- The committee(s) on AEN/TRS has scheduled a public hearing on 02-13-26 3:00PM; Conference Room 224 & Videoconference.
- Referred to AEN/TRS, WAM.
- Passed First Reading.
- Introduced.