STAND. COM. REP. NO. 628

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 871

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Agriculture and Environment and Water and Land, to which was referred S.B. No. 871 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO INVASIVE SPECIES,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate funds to the Department of Land and Natural Resources for invasive species technician positions in its Division of Forestry and Wildlife on the island of Hawai‘i to address invasive plants and animals.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources; Department of Agriculture; University of Hawai‘i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources; Office of the Mayor of the County of Hawai‘i; two members of the Hawai‘i County Council; Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc.; The Nature Conservancy; O‘ahu County Committee on Legislative Priorities of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i; Hawai‘i Farm Bureau; and three individuals. Your Committees received testimony in opposition to this measure from Animal Rights Hawai‘i and one individual.

Your Committees find that the invasion of Hawaii by insects, disease-bearing organisms, snakes, weeds, and other pests is the single greatest threat to Hawaii's economy and natural environment and to the health and lifestyle of Hawaii's people. Your Committees further find that despite many successes, mitigation of invasive species threats and impacts is an ongoing process that requires resources. Provision of additional positions on the island of Hawai‘i will help protect the environment, human health, culture, and economy.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Agriculture and Environment and Water and Land that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 871 and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Agriculture and Environment and Water and Land,

________________________________ KAIALI'I KAHELE, Chair

________________________________ MIKE GABBARD, Chair