STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2725

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2784

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Higher Education and Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred S.B. No. 2784 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE,"

beg leave to report as follows:

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

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the University of Hawaii system, Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Crop Improvement Association, Land Use Research Foundation, Hawaii Farm Bureau, East Oahu County Farm Bureau, Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Maui County Farm Bureau, amd eleven private individuals.

Your Committees find that invasive species are a primary threat to Hawaii's agriculture, environment, and economy. Funding for research on invasive species, such as ornamental ginger pathogens, is critical to ensure that appropriate responses can be developed which mitigate the negative impacts on the State’s agriculture, environment, and economy.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Higher Education and Agriculture and Environment that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2784 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 Higher Education and Agriculture and Environment,

________________________________ MIKE GABBARD, Chair

________________________________ DONNA MERCADO KIM, Chair