STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3053

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2784

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2784 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate moneys to the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources for research and prevention of the spread of ornamental ginger pathogens.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture, University of Hawaii, East Oahu County Farm Bureau, Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Hawaii Crop Improvement Association, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaiian Flower Gardens, HCP, KVTHC, Land Use Research Foundation of Hawaii, Maui County Farm Bureau, Ohana Farm Orchards, Ono Pop's Kauai, Pacific Ag Consultants, Ponoholo Ranch, Ulupalakua Ranch, Waihale Products, and numerous individuals.

Your Committee finds that production of ornamental ginger has been affected by the introduction of a new pathogen that causes wilting and stunting of the affected ornamental ginger plants. Your Committee further finds that the moneys appropriated by this measure will help to mitigate the damage caused by the pathogen and halt the spread of the pathogen in the State.

Your Committee has amended this measure by changing the effective date to July 1, 2050, to facilitate further discussion on the measure.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2784, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2784, S.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair