STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3504
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: S.C.R. No. 178
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Second State Legislature
Regular Session of 2024
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 178 entitled:
"SENATE CONCURRENT 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 and intent of this measure is to urge the State to:
(1) Prohibit the introduction of biocontrol agents that might threaten economically important forage grass species; and
(2) Provide for the protection of Hawaii's
rangelands and important forage grass species that sustain beef cattle
production through funding policies, initiatives, and directives to state
agencies to incentivize livestock grazing for the management of forage grasses
and other vegetation on lands managed by the State and private sector that are
currently undermanaged.
Your Committee received testimony in
support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture; Hawaii Cattlemen's
Council, Inc.; Larry Jefts Farms, LLC; Ponoholo Ranch; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau, and five individuals.
Your Committee received testimony in
opposition to this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources
and one individual.
Your Committee finds
that many forage grasses were intentionally introduced into the State to
support the beef cattle industry. Your
Committee further finds that these forage grasses also provide important ground
cover for the ecology of the State's rangelands. This measure aims to protect local livestock
production and the environment of the State by preventing the eradication of
these important forage grasses species.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture and Environment that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 178 and recommends its adoption.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture and Environment,
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________________________________ MIKE GABBARD, Chair |
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