STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2892

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2925

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Ways and Means and Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred S.B. No. 2925, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO COCONUT TREES,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to support the protection, preservation, and growth of coconut trees in the State.

More specifically, this measure:

(1) Recognizes coconuts as a source of food and water;

(2) Recognizes coconut trees as a cultural treasure of Hawaii;

(3) Authorizes the lawful production and banking of viable coconut seeds, subject to rules and standards adopted by the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity;

(4) Requires transparency regarding pesticide use on coconut trees, including the labeling of trees if pesticide use makes the tree's coconuts unsafe for human consumption; and

(5) Offers a tax credit to incentivize the non-toxic and natural management of coconut rhinoceros beetles.

Your Committees received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Chamber of Sustainable Commerce, Libertarian Party of Hawaii, Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, Hawaii Food+ Policy, and four individuals.

Your Committees received written comments on this measure from the Department of Taxation, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, and Hawaii Farm Bureau.

Your Committees find that the coconut tree, or niu, has historically served as a critical source of food, potable water, medicine, and materials in Hawaii, and remains essential to the health, culture, and lifestyle of residents. Your Committees also find that the invasive coconut rhinoceros beetle poses a serious threat to coconut tree populations statewide. However, your Committees recognize that certain pest management practices may inadvertently reduce the availability of coconuts that are safe for human consumption and limit the long-term regeneration of coconut trees. Accordingly, your Committees believe that this measure will help ensure the safe management and preservation of coconut trees for generations to come.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Ways and Means and Commerce and Consumer Protection that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2925, S.D. 1, and recommend that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Ways and Means and Commerce and Consumer Protection,

________________________________ JARRETT KEOHOKALOLE, Chair

________________________________ DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair