STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3067

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 2546

H.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 Agriculture and Environment, 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 Department of Land and Natural Resources, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau, Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, and one individual.

Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Agriculture and one individual.

Your Committee finds that treatment options to manage the coconut rhinoceros beetle are still relatively limited. Your Committee recognizes that there are no natural enemies of this beetle in the Pacific Islands. Your Committee further finds that the use of fine meshed nets is an effective alternative to pesticides and other complex treatment options that are not practical for the general public. This measure aims to further protect the delicate environment of the State from invasive pests.

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 is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2546, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture and Environment,

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MIKE GABBARD, Chair