STAND. COM. REP. NO. 442-24

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2024

RE: H.B. No. 2133

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems, to which was referred H.B. No. 2133 entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish and appropriate funds for an Invasive Species Grant Pilot Program to provide grants through the Department of Agriculture to individuals, businesses, and organizations for the eradication of invasive species on property located in Hawaii that is owned by the individual, business, or organization.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture; Department of Land and Natural Resources; North Shore Neighborhood Board No. 27; Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; and two individuals.

Your Committee finds that invasive species pose a threat to the State's environment, economy, and health and well-being of its residents. Due to the scope of the issue, the mitigation of invasive species may need to be a collaborative effort between the State and private parties, including the public. This measure would provide financial assistance in the form of grants to individuals, businesses, and organizations for the eradication of invasive species on property located in Hawaii that is owned by the individual, business, or organization, ensuring that the threat of invasive species is properly addressed in a timely manner.

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 Agriculture & Food Systems that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2133, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2133, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems,

____________________________

CEDRIC ASUEGA GATES, Chair