STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3720

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 1929

H.D. 1

S.D. 2

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 1929, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO BIOSECURITY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to strengthen biosecurity protections for the island of Molokai.

More specifically, this measure:

(1) Establishes a Molokai Biosecurity Advisory Board within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity;

(2) Requires the Board to advise the Department on the development of a Molokai biosecurity plan to prevent the spread to Molokai of invasive species found elsewhere in the State;

(3) Authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds and appropriates moneys for a new facility on the island of Molokai to inspect and quarantine plants, plant materials, livestock, and other domestic animals; and

(4) Appropriates moneys for purposes of the Act.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Kuaaina Ulu Auamo, The Nature Conservancy, Sierra Club of Hawaii, Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Free Access Coalition, and numerous individuals.

Your Committee finds that, of all of Hawaii's major islands, Molokai is currently the least impacted by many of the pests and invasive species found elsewhere in the State. Your Committee believes that the development of an island-specific plan for Molokai will help enhance and maintain the island's biosecurity, curtail the introduction and spread of invasive species, and inform other biosecurity efforts in the State.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Removing the authorization to issue general obligation bonds for a quarantine facility on the island of Molokai; and

(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1929, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1929, H.D. 1, S.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

________________________________

DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair