STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1498

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2023

RE: S.B. No. 1488

S.D. 2

H.D. 2

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Higher Education & Technology, to which was referred S.B. No. 1488, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO LIVESTOCK,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Require the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, in consultation with livestock industry stakeholders, to conduct a study to assess the effects of heat stress on beef cattle during interisland ocean transport;

(2) Require the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources to report to the Legislature on its findings and recommendations prior to the Regular Session of 2025; and

(3) Appropriate funds.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture; University of Hawai‘i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; Animal Welfare Institute; Kualoa Ranch; Hawai‘i Farm Bureau; and nine individuals.

Your Committee finds that an objective study is needed to analyze the effects of interisland ocean transport on livestock, including the effects of heat stress and environmental conditions inside shipping devices. A study will help to provide guidance on optimum processes for the animals and the livestock industry and inform potential future legislation.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Higher Education & Technology that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1488, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 1488, S.D. 2, H.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Higher Education & Technology,

____________________________

AMY A. PERRUSO, Chair