STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3722

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 2546

H.D. 1

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred H.B. No. 2546, H.D. 1, entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Allow for the use of fine meshed nets for the protection of plants against invasive species; and

(2) Require the Department of Agriculture to establish a registration program for purchasers of fine meshed nets in the State.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau, Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United, Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, and four individuals.

Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Department of Agriculture.

Your Committee finds that the coconut rhinoceros beetle is considered a major agricultural and environmental pest. Although coconut rhinoceros beetle is particularly damaging to coconut palms, they can also be found in banana, pineapple, betelnut, and sugarcane, among others. Your Committee further finds that fine mesh nets are an effective management and detection tool for the coconut rhinoceros beetle, particularly because they can exclude other medium to large pests and be used on individual plants. Your Committee finds that by authorizing the Department of Agriculture to establish a registration program for persons using fine meshed nets to protect plants against invasive species, this measure will help protect the State's vital agricultural industry and preserve the State's delicate natural ecosystems.

Your Committee has amended this measure by inserting an effective date of April 14, 2112, to encourage further discussion.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2546, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2546, H.D. 1, S.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary,

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KARL RHOADS, Chair