STAND. COM. REP. NO. 598-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.B. No. 2549

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 Agriculture & Food Systems, to which was referred H.B. No. 2549 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish and appropriate funds for a Clean Plant Program within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to support the production, maintenance, and distribution of disease-free, clean plant material to growers, nurseries, and other agricultural producers in the State.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity; Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United; Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy; and two individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from one individual.

Your Committee finds that the use of clean plant material allows producers to begin production with a clean slate, reducing the risk of introducing pests and diseases into farms, fields, and ranches, and minimizing the spread of contaminants to other crops and operations. Your Committee further finds that the establishment of the Clean Plant Program will foster the use of clean plant material, which will protect existing agricultural operations, encourage responsible expansion, and reinforce the State's commitment to strong biosecurity practices.

Your Committee has amended this measure by changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion.

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 is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2549, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2549, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

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

____________________________

CORY CHUN, Chair