STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2531

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 572

S.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 S.B. No. 572, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Allow the Department of Agriculture (Department) to declare a biosecurity emergency in certain circumstances and with the approval of the Governor;

(2) Outline the terms of a declared biosecurity emergency;

(3) Require the Department to implement certain requirements for agricultural commodity importers; and

(4) Allow the Department to:

(A) Impose fines on agricultural commodity importers who fail to comply with the requirements;

(B) Subpoena necessary documentation from agricultural commodity importers relating to a known or suspected infestation of pests; and

(C) Quarantine any farm, facility, or business that is known to be infested with pests.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture; Department of Land and Natural Resources; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; and Ka ʻOhana O Na Pua.

Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species.

Your Committee finds that the entry and establishment of a new, devastating pest or disease is an ever-present reality, given the increase and expansion of global trade and travel. Your Committee recognizes that the arrival and spread of new invasive species in the State can lead to significant economic and environmental loss. According to testimony received by your Committee, this measure is a major step in enabling the Department of Agriculture to rapidly respond to new pest introductions.

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. 572, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

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

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MIKE GABBARD, Chair