STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1905-24

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2024

RE: S.C.R. No. 191

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 191 entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO ADOPT PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 4-72, HAWAII ADMINISTRATIVE RULES, THAT PROVIDE IMPORTANT AUTHORITIES FOR THE DEPARTMENT TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF INSECTS, DISEASES, AND OTHER INVASIVE PESTS WITHIN THE STATE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to urge the Department of Agriculture to adopt proposed amendments to chapter 4‑72, Hawaii Administrative Rules, that provide important authorities for the Department of Agriculture to prevent the spread of insects, diseases, and other invasive pests within the State.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources; Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species; and one individual. 

Your Committee received comments from the Department of Agriculture.

Your Committee finds the Department of Agriculture has the sole authority to quarantine or prevent the movement of invasive pests or infested materials within the State, and all other state departments, county governments, industries, and the public rely on the Department to prevent the spread of these pests.  The proposed amendments to chapter 4-72, Hawaii Administrative Rules, provide important authorities for the Department to prevent and slow the spread of high-impact invasive pests, such as coconut rhinoceros beetle, coqui frog, and little fire ants, and clarify the Department’s authority to stop the sale of pest-infested merchandise directly to the public.  Your Committee further finds that adopting these amendments is urgently needed to address the rapid spread of invasive pests within the State and protect Hawaiʻi’s agricultural industries, natural resources, consumers, and the public.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 191 and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems,

____________________________

CEDRIC ASUEGA GATES, Chair