Honolulu, Hawaii
S.D. 1
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Second State Legislature
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 192, S.D. 1, entitled:
"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE OFFICE OF THE AUDITOR TO CONDUCT A PERFORMANCE AUDIT OF THE PLANT PEST CONTROL BRANCH AND PLANT QUARANTINE BRANCH WITHIN THE PLANT INDUSTRY DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The
purpose of this measure is to:
(1) Conduct a performance audit of the Plant Pest
Control and Plant Quarantine Branches of the Department of Agriculture’s Plant
Industry Division; and
(2) Submit a report of
their findings and recommendations to the Legislature before the Regular
Session of 2025.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of
Agriculture.
Your
Committee received comments the Office of the Auditor.
Your
Committee finds that the establishment and spread of invasive species is
harmful to Hawaiʻi's
agriculture, native biota, public health, and economic well-being. The
Plant Industry Division of the Department of Agriculture, which includes the
Plant Quarantine Branch, Pesticides Branch, and Plant Pest Control Branch, is
responsible for delivering the State's mandated biosecurity program and
controlling or eradicating pests that could cause significant damage.
Your Committee further finds that the Department of Agriculture has failed to
produce the required annual report on the biosecurity program to the
Thirty-Second Legislature, and previous audits have found deficiencies in the
Plant Quarantine Branch's data gathering, data analysis, and organizational
framework, as well as the utilization of its staff and operational capacity by
the Plant Pest Control Branch. The performance audit requested in this
measure will provide the information necessary for decision-makers to
strengthen the State's biosecurity system and mitigate risks associated with
invasive species.
Your
Committee notes the increasing urgency to address biosecurity needs for the
state and the importance of a holistic approach to a recommended audit relating
to biosecurity in Hawaiʻi.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 192, S.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems,
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CEDRIC ASUEGA GATES, Chair |
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