193 



Mr. Tom Cannon Z 



The State of Hawaii does have the authority to inspect incoming luggage, 

 cargo, and mail for plant and animal pest species, and customarily each State 

 regulates plants and animals entering or leaving its borders. As you mention, 

 all arriving passengers must complete a form delineating plant and animal 

 species they are bringing into Hawaii. Except for first class mail, which 

 States have no authority to inspect or open, Hawaii inspects luggage, cargo, 

 and mail for plants and animals. Currently, Hawaii uses four dogs to conduct 

 inspections. One dog is trained to detect only brown tree snakes; three other 

 dogs are cross-trained for different animal and plant species. In addition, 

 the State has a mobile X-ray machine used randomly to Inspect incoming 

 luggage. 



The State of Hawaii. USOA, Service, and the U.S. Postal Service are working 

 together to study ways to enhance inspection methods in Hawaii. The State 

 plant quarantine administrator supports providing more general authority to 

 the USOA to inspect for any biological entity, not just agricultural pests. 

 The Service would support such legislation and any stronger measures the State 

 can Implement. As you point out in your letter, the need is critical. 



We encourage you to contact the Federal and State departments of agriculture 

 to express your concerns, as these agencies would be responsible for 

 implementing stricter inspection measures. If we can provide any further 

 information regarding the impact of alien species on Hawaii's native species, 

 please contact Robert Smith, Field Supervisor, Hawaii State Office, at 

 808-541-2749- We appreciate your Interest In protecting Hawaii's unique flora 

 and fauna. 



Sincerely. 

 RICHARD N. SMITH 



£«l5Vi. DIRECTOR 



cc: FWS/Region 1 



Field Supervisor, Honolulu. Hawaii 



6229-MIB-ES (1) 



3012-MI6-FWS/CCU 



3012-MIB-FWS/Directorate Reading File 



3012-MIB-FWS/OOChron 



3024-MIB-FWS/AES Reading File 



520-ARLSQ-FWS/LE 



320-ARLSQ-FWS/BCI Reading File 



452-ARLSQ-FWS/TE 

 •FWS/TE 



Edited by:8CI:AHaas":3S8-Z166:12-03-93:ad:CANNON:93-3428 and ES-82989 



