STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3009

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2079

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2079 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE IMPORTATION OF PLANTS AND ANIMALS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to authorize the electronic distribution, completion, and transmittal of the Hawaii State Plant and Animal Declaration Form.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Office of the Lieutenant Governor; Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Airlines for America; Alaska Airlines; Hawaii Farm Bureau; and SMS Research and Marketing Services, Inc.

Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of Agriculture.

Your Committee finds that the Hawaii State Plant and Animal Declaration Form helps to prevent harmful pests from being transported into Hawaii's unique environment and communities. Your Committee recognizes that many travelers entering the State would prefer to complete an electronic version of the Plant and Animal Declaration Form on their personal electronic devices. However, it is unclear whether electronic forms are permitted under existing law. Your Committee believes that clarifying the law to allow people to complete the form electronically will make the plant and animal declaration process more efficient.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2079 and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair