Twenty-two plant quarantine inspectors slated for layoffs have been given a reprieve by the state Department of Agriculture.

In August, 50 agricultural inspectors were given reduction-in-force notices as part of the state's efforts to cover a nearly $900 million budget shortfall.

The restoration of the 22 positions was made possible through $1.8 million in alternate funding. The Hawai'i Invasive Species Council approved $600,000 earmarked for invasive species prevention to be used to fund positions. The remaining $1.2 million will be transferred from fees collected in the Pest Inspection Quarantine and Eradication Special Fund.

The money will cover the 22 positions for one year.

While the retention of the 22 inspectors will help the state continue to monitor ports statewide, the department said its inspection capabilities will still be "significantly decreased from current levels" as the number of inspectors across the state drops from 83 to 55.

The department said inspectors will focus on incoming cargo from Guam to prevent the introduction of the brown tree snake, as well as on food for human consumption and animal feed.

In a statement issued yesterday, Hawai'i Board of Agriculture chairwoman Sandra Lee Kunimoto said: "The department continues to look for alternative sources of funding. In addition, we are working on increasing coordination of inspection services to make the most efficient use of our work force and minimize the disruption to our important agricultural, food and shipping industries."