STAND.
COM. REP. NO. 1381-24
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2024
RE: H.R. No. 169
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.R. No. 169 entitled:
"HOUSE RESOLUTION URGING THE STATE TO PROHIBIT THE INTRODUCTION OF BIOCONTROL AGENTS THAT MIGHT THREATEN ECONOMICALLY IMPORTANT FORAGE GRASS SPECIES,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to urge the
State to:
(1) Prohibit
the use of biocontrol agents that might threaten
economically important forage grass species; and
(2) Provide for the protection of Hawaii's rangelands and grass
species that sustain beef cattle production through funding policies,
initiatives, and directives to state agencies.
Your Committee received no written testimony
for this measure.
Your Committee
finds that Hawaiʻi’s beef cattle industry has created
significant economic and environmental benefits, including contributions to the
state economy, job creation, food security, and culture. Your Committee
recognizes the importance of Hawaii’s rangelands, which cover about twenty
percent of the state’s landmass, in providing ecosystem services such as soil
stabilization and carbon sequestration. It recognizes ranchers as
essential stewards of these lands, managing them through livestock grazing to
prevent soil erosion and invasive weed growth. Your Committee further
finds reason for concern regarding the labeling of certain forage grasses as
invasive species, noting their importance for both livestock feed and
ecological balance. Your Committee acknowledges the role of livestock
grazing in managing these grasses and reducing the risk of
wildfires.
Your Committee has
amended this measure by:
(1) Deleting language describing ranchers as grass
farmers and replacing it with the critical role they play in managing lands and
reducing fuels loads; and
(2) Adding language requesting the State to also
consider a holistic approach when addressing wildfire risk by utilizing a
variety of tools and strategies.
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 concurs with the intent and purpose of H.R. No. 169, as amended herein, and recommends its adoption in the form attached hereto as H.R. No. 169, H.D. 1.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems,
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____________________________ CEDRIC ASUEGA GATES, Chair |
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