The State of Hawaii will be allowed to inspect arriving U.S. mail to prevent the introduction of harmful plants and insects under legislation approved by a House-Senate conference committee on the Agriculture Appropriations Bill (H.R.1906). The amendment, sponsored by U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii), creates the Hawaii mail interdiction pilot program. It allows the State to conduct inspections of arriving first class mail if State officials reasonably believe that packages contain invasive alien species prohibited by Federal law.

Federal inspection of mail bound for the Mainland has been in place for many years. "With my amendment, pest inspection will finally become a two-way street," said Akaka. "Fairness dictates that Hawaii should receive the same protection that the Mainland enjoys.

"Pests arriving from the Mainland and from foreign sources are an environmental menace. They cause havoc for farmers, destroy fragile habitat, and push native species to the brink of extinction. Invasive species dramatically alter our landscape and change the rules of the game by which native species live. An average of 19 new species become established in Hawaii each year."

A 1989 study by the State of Hawaii evaluated five possible pathways for invasive species introduction: U.S. Mail, airline passengers, military transport, cargo, and private boats and planes. The study found that the U.S. mail accounts for an estimated 23 percent of the insects and illegal animals introduced in Hawaii.

"Inspecting the mail is not the only answer to Hawaii's invasive species problem," Akaka noted. "However, the Hawaii mail interdiction pilot program will give the state an opportunity to evaluate whether the number of pests discovered in the mail warrants increased attention and additional resources."

The interdiction program will operate for a period of one year, with options for further renewal. Final Senate approval of the appropriations measure is expected next week.