DOA to Open New Plant Facility

The Hawai’i Department of Agriculture’s Hilo Plant Quarantine Office is moving locations.

Beginning on May 16, the office is moving into new cargo inspection facilities at the Hilo International Airport.

The office is 2,245 square-feet and located near the Hilo Airport Post Office at 95 Akahana Street.

DOA officials say the new location is more centralized close to air cargo companies, the U.S. Postal Service, and other freight forwarders like UPS and FedEx.

“This new Hilo inspection facility will help to expedite and enhance agricultural inspections and get products to their final destination in a more timely manner,” said Scott Enright, chairperson of the Hawai’i Board of Agriculture. “While this additional inspection area had been proposed for years, it was the late Sen. Gil Kahele who championed this project and made it happen. This facility would not be opening next week had it not been for the senator’s strong support of Hawai’i Island and Hawai’i agriculture.”

Interisland travelers may also have their propagative plants, including potted plants, cuttings, and other restricted items, inspected before their transport to another island. It is also where plants and pets other than cats and dogs would go prior to being shipped to the mainland.

The new facility houses an inspection room, offices for inspectors, laboratory, animal holding room and storage for cargo slated for destruction for invasive plants and pests.

The administration of the certified nursery program will remain at the Lanikaula Office.

Plant Quarantine inspectors Donn Yanagisawa and Christine Yafuso at the new inspection counter. Photo courtesy the Department of Agriculture.

Plant Quarantine inspectors Donn Kansako (front) and Donn Yanagisawa (back) at inspectors’ work stations. Photo courtesy the Department of Agriculture.

Front entrance of the new facility on Akahana St. Photo courtesy the Department of Agriculture.