HB 1427: DOH; DOA; Avian Influenza; Appropriations

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO AVIAN INFLUENZA.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that H5 avian influenza viruses, also referred to as bird flu, include the H5N1 subtype of bird flu virus that has spread globally in birds since its initial discovery in 1996 and recently has been detected in several mammal species.  Bird flu can cause severe illness with a high mortality rate among certain bird populations, such as poultry, and can cross between species and infect dairy cows.  According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of January 20, 2025, bird flu has been detected in every state, with nine hundred twenty-eight dairy herds and 136,327,394 poultry having been affected.  In November 2024, the H5N1 bird flu virus was first confirmed in Hawaii in a backyard flock of birds in central Oahu.  H5 has since been detected through wastewater testing in Hilo and on Kauai.

     The legislature also finds that as of January 20, 2025, the CDC reported sixty-seven confirmed human cases of bird flu.  Nearly all the cases occurred in farm workers.  While symptoms are typically mild, one case did result in death.  No human-to-human transmission has been reported, and the current risk to the public is considered low.  However, close monitoring is warranted to identify any change in the virus that may increase transmissibility or infection severity.  Enhanced biosecurity will help protect local farms and food production, and increased testing of birds, humans, and wastewater will help better understand the spread of bird flu in Hawaii and its potential impacts on human health.  In addition, education will help inform the public about bird flu, their risk, and how to stay safe.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the department of health and department of agriculture to prevent, monitor, and respond to avian influenza in Hawaii.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 to carry out the purposes of this Act, including to prevent, monitor, and respond to avian influenza in the State.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 to carry out the purposes of this Act, including to prevent, monitor, and respond to avian influenza in the State.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on December 31, 2050.

Report Title:

DOH; DOA; Avian Influenza; Appropriations

Description:

Appropriates funds to the Department of Health and Department of Agriculture to prevent, monitor, and respond to avian influenza in Hawaii.  Effective 12/31/2050.  (SD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO AVIAN INFLUENZA.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that H5 avian influenza viruses, also referred to as bird flu, include the H5N1 subtype of bird flu virus that has spread globally in birds since its initial discovery in 1996 and recently has been detected in several mammal species.  Bird flu can cause severe illness with a high mortality rate among certain bird populations, such as poultry, and can cross between species and infect dairy cows.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of January 20, 2025, bird flu has been detected in every state, with nine hundred twenty-eight dairy herds and 136,327,394 poultry having been affected.  In November 2024, the H5N1 bird flu virus was first confirmed in Hawaii in a backyard flock of birds in central Oahu.  H5 has since been detected through wastewater testing in Hilo and on Kauai.

     The legislature also finds that as of January 20, 2025, the CDC reported sixty-seven confirmed human cases of bird flu.  Nearly all the cases occurred in farm workers.  While symptoms are typically mild, one case did result in death.  No human-to-human transmission has been reported, and the current risk to the public is considered low.  However, close monitoring is warranted to identify any change in the virus that may increase transmissibility or infection severity.  Enhanced biosecurity will help protect local farms and food production, and increased testing of birds, humans, and wastewater will help better understand the spread of bird flu in Hawaii and its potential impacts on human health.  In addition, education will help inform the public about bird flu, their risk, and how to stay safe.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the department of health and department of agriculture to prevent, monitor, and respond to avian influenza in Hawaii.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 to carry out the purposes of this Act, including to prevent, monitor, and respond to avian influenza in the State.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 to carry out the purposes of this Act, including to prevent, monitor, and respond to avian influenza in the State.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

DOH; DOA; Avian Influenza; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds to the Department of Health and Department of Agriculture to prevent, monitor, and respond to avian influenza in Hawaii.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to avian influenza.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that H5 avian influenza viruses, also referred to as bird flu, include the H5N1 subtype of bird flu virus that has spread globally in birds since its initial discovery in 1996 and recently has been detected in several mammal species.  Bird flu can cause severe illness with a high mortality rate among certain bird populations, such as poultry, and can cross between species and infect dairy cows.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of January 20, 2025, bird flu has been detected in every state, with nine hundred twenty-eight dairy herds and 136,327,394 poultry having been affected.  In November 2024, the H5N1 bird flu virus was first confirmed in Hawaii in a backyard flock of birds in central Oahu.  H5 has since been detected through wastewater testing in Hilo and on Kauai.

     The legislature also finds that as of January 20, 2025, the CDC reported sixty-seven confirmed human cases of bird flu.  Nearly all the cases occurred in farm workers.  While symptoms are typically mild, one case did result in death.  No human-to-human transmission has been reported, and the current risk to the public is considered low.  However, close monitoring is warranted to identify any change in the virus that may increase transmissibility or infection severity.  Enhanced biosecurity will help protect local farms and food production, and increased testing of birds will help better understand the spread of bird flu in Hawaii.  In addition, education will help inform the public about bird flu, their risk, and how to stay safe.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the department of health and department of agriculture to prevent, monitor, and respond to avian influenza in Hawaii.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 to carry out the purposes of this Act, including to prevent, monitor, and respond to avian influenza in the State.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 to carry out the purposes of this Act, including to prevent, monitor, and respond to avian influenza in the State.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.

Report Title:

DOH; DOA; Avian Influenza; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds to the Department of Health and Department of Agriculture to prevent, monitor, and respond to avian influenza in Hawaii.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1703

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 1427

       H.D. 1

       S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 1427, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AVIAN INFLUENZA,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate moneys to the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health to prevent, monitor, and respond to avian influenza in Hawaii.

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Health, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Hawaii State Health Planning and Development Agency, Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union, Hawaii Food Industry Association, and four individuals.

     Your Committee received written comments in opposition to this measure from the Aloha Freedom Coalition, Hawaiian Islands Republican Women, Hawaii Christian Coalition, and twelve individuals.

     Your Committee finds that avian influenza poses significant risks to public health, dairy and poultry farmers, and Hawaii's native bird population.  Your Committee further finds that preventing, monitoring, and responding to avian influenza in Hawaii is necessary to protect Hawaii residents, the agricultural industry, and the State's fragile ecological system.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1427, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1237

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 1427

       H.D. 1

       S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committees on Health and Human Services and Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred H.B. No. 1427, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AVIAN INFLUENZA,"

beg leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate funds to the Department of Health and Department of Agriculture to prevent, monitor, and respond to avian influenza in the State.

     Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Health; Department of Agriculture; Department of Land and Natural Resources; State Health Planning and Development Agency; Hawaii Food Industry Association; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; and four individuals.

     Your Committees received testimony in opposition to this measure from Hawaii Patriot Republicans, Hawaiʻi Christian Coalition, and numerous individuals.

`

     Your Committees find that H5 avian influenza viruses, also referred to as bird flu, include the H5N1 subtype of bird flu virus that has spread globally in birds since its initial discovery in 1996 and recently has been detected in several mammal species.  Your Committees further find that in November 2024, the H5N1 bird flu virus was first confirmed in Hawaii in a backyard flock of birds in central Oahu and has since been detected through wastewater testing in Hilo and on Kauai.  Your Committees acknowledge that avian influenza poses significant risks not only to the State's bird populations but also to the broader agricultural and food industries that contribute to the livelihood of many residents, especially in consideration of the State's geographical isolation and unique ecosystems.  This measure provides funding for robust monitoring and surveillance measures to protect the State's public health, food industry, unique wildlife, and agricultural economy.

     Your Committees have amended this measure by:

     (1)  Inserting an effective date of December 31, 2050, to encourage further discussion; and

     (2)  Making a technical, nonsubstantive amendment for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

     Your Committees note that this measure contains unspecified appropriation amounts.  Should your Committee on Ways and Means choose to deliberate on this measure, your Committees respectfully request that it consider inserting an appropriation amount of $293,000 for fiscal year 2025-2026 for the Department of Agriculture to carry out the purposes of this measure, including to prevent, monitor, and respond to avian influenza in the State.  Your Committees further note the Department of Health's testimony that the Department's proposed budget request of $3,300,000 to $4,700,000 depending on the availability of federal funds for fiscal year 2025-2026 includes the funding needed for the monitoring of and response to avian influenza.

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Health and Human Services and Agriculture and Environment that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1427, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1427, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Health and Human Services and Agriculture and Environment,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  959

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   H.B. No. 1427

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 1427, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AVIAN INFLUENZA,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds to the Department of Health and Department of Agriculture to prevent, monitor, and respond to avian influenza in the State.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Health; State Health Planning and Development Agency; Hawai‘i Farm Bureau; Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association; Hawaii Food Industry Association; and two individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Department of Agriculture.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1427, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  633

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   H.B. No. 1427

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems, to which was referred H.B. No. 1427, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AVIAN INFLUENZA,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds to the Department of Health and Department of Agriculture to prevent, monitor, and respond to avian influenza in the State.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Health; Department of Land and Natural Resources; Department of Agriculture; State Health Planning and Development Agency; Villa Rose/Waialua Eggs; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Hawaii Food Industry Association; Kapapala Ranch; Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council; Carol Kwan Consulting, LLC; and three individuals.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from four individuals.

     Your Committee finds that avian influenza, or bird flu, poses a significant threat to Hawaii's agriculture, public health, and unique ecosystems.  The recent detection of H5N1 in backyard poultry and wastewater across the State underscores the urgent need for enhanced monitoring and biosecurity measures.  While the current risk to humans is considered low, the virus has infected farm workers in other states, and its potential to mutate and spread more easily remains a serious concern.  This measure addresses these risks by appropriating funds to the Department of Health and the Department of Agriculture to strengthen surveillance, response efforts, and public education on avian influenza.  By investing in proactive monitoring, biosecurity protocols, and public awareness, this measure helps safeguard local farms, protect food production, and minimize the potential for widespread transmission.

     Your Committee respectfully requests your Committee on Finance, should it deliberate on this measure, to consider an appropriation amount of $293,000 for the Department of Agriculture and between $3,300,000 and $4,700,000, depending on the availability of federal funds, for the Department of Health.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1427, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  187

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   H.B. No. 1427

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Health, to which was referred H.B. No. 1427 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AVIAN INFLUENZA,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds to the Department of Health and Department of Agriculture to prevent, monitor, and respond to avian influenza in the State.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Health; Department of Land and Natural Resources; Department of Agriculture; State Health Planning and Development Agency; Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association; Hawai‘i Farmers Union United; Hawaii Food Industry Association; Hawai‘i Farm Bureau; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; and one individual.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from five individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from one individual.

     Your Committee finds that H5 avian influenza viruses, also referred to bird flu, can cause severe illness with a high mortality rate among certain bird populations, such as poultry.  The virus can also pass to other species, including dairy cows and humans.  Your Committee further finds that bird flu was detected in a domestic flock of birds on Oahu in November 2024 and has since been detected in wastewater testing in Hilo and on Kauai.  As of January 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported sixty-seven confirmed human cases of bird flu, with one case resulting in the patient's death.  Although the risk of human-to-human infection is currently low, your Committee believes that close monitoring of the situation to identify any changes in the virus that may increase transmissibility or infection severity is warranted to protect Hawaii's residents.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

     (2)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

     Your Committee respectfully requests your Committee on Finance, should it deliberate on this measure, to consider an appropriation of between $3,300,000 and $4,700,000, depending on the availability of federal funds, for the Department of Health and an appropriation of $293,000 for the Department of Agriculture.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1427, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1427, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health,