STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3502

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.C.R. No. 191

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.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 (Department) 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.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, and two individuals.

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

Your Committee finds that the Department has proposed amendments to its administrative rules to prevent the sale of pest-infested merchandise. Your Committee recognizes that horticultural trade is one of the primary pathways through which invasive pests are spread around the State. This measure prevents and slows the spread of invasive pests within the State, thereby protecting the State's agricultural industries, natural resources, consumers, and the public.

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 concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 191 and recommends its adoption.

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

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MIKE GABBARD, Chair