STAND. COM. REP. NO. 923-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.B. No. 1929

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 1929, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO BIOSECURITY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Require and appropriate funds for the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to develop a Molokai Biosecurity Plan to prevent the spread of invasive species found elsewhere in the State to the island of Molokai;

(2) Authorize the issuance of general obligation bonds for a plant and plant materials quarantine and inspection facility on the island of Molokai; and

(3) Appropriate funds for facility staffing and biosecurity support services on Molokai and the development of the Molokai Biosecurity Plan.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity; Department of Land and Natural Resources; Office of Hawaiian Affairs; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Oʻahu Invasive Species Committee; Free Access Coalition; Kupuna for the Moʻopuna; Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi; Hawaiʻi Reef and Ocean Coalition; Hoʻolehua Homesteader's Association; Kauai Climate Action Coalition; The Nature Conservancy, Hawaiʻi and Palmyra; Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species; Conservation Council for Hawaiʻi; and numerous individuals.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1929, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,

____________________________

CHRIS TODD, Chair