STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2548

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2366

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.B. No. 2366 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO NEONICOTINOIDS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Classify neonicotinoid pesticides as restricted use pesticides; and

(2) Establish a nonexhaustive list of chemicals that belong to the neonicotinoid class of chemicals.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action, Green Party of Hawaiʻi, Chamber of Sustainable Commerce, Hawaii Food+ Policy, Bee Kind Apiary LLC, Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition, and thirty-five individuals.

Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Hawaii Crop Improvement Association and Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment.

Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Agriculture and National Pest Management Association.

Your Committee finds that neonicotinoids are the most widely used class of insecticides worldwide. Your Committee recognizes that neonicotinoid pesticides destroy pollinator populations, threatening food systems, ecosystems, and public health. According to testimony received by your Committee, there is currently no reporting of neonicotinoid pesticide use in the State because it is not classified as a restricted use pesticide under section 149A-2, Hawaii Revised Statutes. The classification of neonicotinoid pesticides as restricted use pesticides, as provided in this measure, will allow for better oversight of these neurotoxic substances to protect the people and environment of the State.

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 S.B. No. 2366 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection.

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

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MIKE GABBARD, Chair