STAND. COM. REP. NO. 700-24

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2024

RE: H.B. No. 2619

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 Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 2619, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL BIOSECURITY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds for the biosecurity program of the Department of Agriculture to develop and implement projects for clean plant material, agricultural treatments, diagnostics, and pest management.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from Larry Jefts Farms, LLC; Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United; Maui County Farm Bureau; Ulupono Initiative; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Land Use Research Foundation of Hawaii; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; Hawaii Crop Improvement Association; Aina Hookupu o Kilauea; and nine individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Department of Agriculture.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2619, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

____________________________

KYLE T. YAMASHITA, Chair