New Biosecurity Academy is training the next frontline inspectors in Hawaiʻi’s fight against invasive pests

October 5, 2026, 3:00 PM HST

Listen to this Article
2 minutesLoading Audio... Article will play after ad...

Leeward CC agriculture programs and invasive species the frontline inspectors will be fighting against. PC: courtesy Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity

The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity is looking for biosecurity inspectors in its ongoing fight against invasive species across the state.

DAB is partnering with Leeward Community College’s Office of Workforce Development in accepting the first ever students into the Biosecurity Academy. Up to 20 hopefuls will be selected to attend the academy, starting in November and ending in March.

DAB Chair Sharon Hurd says the new academy will provide flexibility to a path for graduates seeking a position as a biosecurity inspector. “This innovative program will allow the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to address the needs of the community by bringing in more inspectors to check cargo at airports and harbors and provide fast response to any pressing needs on the invasive species front across the state.”

Leeward CC agriculture programs and invasive species the frontline inspectors will be fighting against. PC: Leeward Community College

The graduates will eventually work for DAB’s Plant Quarantine Branch (PQB), which was established in 1888 under King David Kalākaua to prevent pests from damaging coffee being grown in the islands. Today, PQB inspectors screen incoming passengers and cargo at airports and harbors for pests or microorganisms in fruits, vegetables and seafood destined for store shelves and restaurants.

“The Biosecurity Academy is a great example of workforce development in action,” said State Sen. Donovan M. Dela Cruz. “By creating a direct pathway into meaningful careers, this program helps prepare the next generation of biosecurity professionals right here at home, while strengthening Hawaiʻi’s ability to protect our agriculture and natural resources, bolster our biosecurity infrastructure and diversify our economy.”

The recruitment process starts right away. Applicants can sign up here beginning at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, when the recruitment opens. Roughly 50 will be accepted and interviewed to take part in the first class. Applicants must have obtained a four-year college degree; the Leeward CC Biosecurity Academy will provide training for the incoming DAB inspectors.

“At Leeward Community College, we take pride in aligning our educational programs directly with Hawaiʻi’s most urgent workforce needs,” said Carlos Peñaloza, chancellor of Leeward CC and interim chancellor of the University of Hawaiʻi at West Oʻahu. “Partnering with the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity allows us to leverage our expertise in workforce development to build a highly trained pipeline of biosecurity inspectors. This academy isn’t just about filling critical job vacancies; it’s about providing meaningful career pathways for our local talent while actively safeguarding our agriculture, natural resources and local economy for generations to come.”