Author(s): Cameron S. Deptula, Jake Vuillemin, and Jae Yun Ham.

Research Topics: Agriculture, Federal Regulations, Economy, Biosecurity.

Abstract: Hawaii has been subject to a federal quarantine that may cost as much as $800M in impacts to the state. Key features of the quarantine include a ban on the movement of fresh fruits and vegetables, and mandatory inspection requirements for all travelers, baggage, and airplanes/ships. The quarantine has its roots in 1911, first declared by California and then formally adopted by the federal government in 1912. There are significant areas for improvement to minimize impact, such as reducing the time to receive commodity approvals and addressing invasive species issues with greater resources here in Hawaii. The impact of the quarantine on local farmers hurts the state’s ability to grow its own food and harms economic growth— as such, this should be an issue of greater statewide and national concern. Much more work is needed to better quantify both the quarantine’s impacts and develop options for invasive species eradication.

HIPA’s new, independent research on the quarantine helps to document key features of the regulatory landscape, discuss impacts, regulatory origins, invasive species issues, and explores opportunities to provide relief for Hawaii. The goal of this document is to document Hawaii’s federal quarantine, explore solutions, and revitalize public discussion related to agricultural barriers and public issues.