STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3226

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                   

 

RE:     H.B. No. 2549

        H.D. 1

        S.D. 1

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred H.B. No. 2549, H.D. 1, entitled:

 

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

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

 

     (1)  Establish 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; and

 

     (2)  Appropriate funds.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Hawaiʻi Reforestation Policy Hui; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; and two individuals.

 

     Your Committee finds that having access to clean plant material, effective agricultural treatments, diagnostics, and pest management tools is a critical component of the State's biosecurity system.  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.  By proactively investing in disease-free plant material, this measure provides meaningful support to agricultural producers and strengthens biosecurity and long-term agricultural viability.

 

Your Committee has amended this measure by making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

________________________________

MIKE GABBARD, Chair