STAND. COM. REP. NO. 145

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2019

 

RE:   H.B. No. 265

      H.D. 1

 

 

 

 

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Agriculture, to which was referred H.B. No. 265 entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO INVASIVE SPECIES,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this measure is to protect Hawaii's fragile ecosystem, environment, and agricultural lands, particularly in the county of Maui, by appropriating funds for activities relating to the substantial reduction and eradication of invasive species in the county of Maui.

 

     The Department of Agriculture, Mayor of the County of Maui, Chair of the Maui County Council, Hawaii Association of REALTORS, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Oahu County Committee on Legislative Priorities of the Democratic Party of Hawaii, and several concerned individuals supported this measure.  The Department of Land and Natural Resources supported the intent of this measure.  For Forgotten Felines, Hawaii Hunting Association, and a few concerned individuals opposed this measure.  Two concerned individuals commented on this measure.

 

     Your Committee finds that the disposition of the axis deer population requires further discussions between the community and government agencies on issues related to the axis deer's impact on the County of Maui, including subsistence hunting, health related issues, cultural practices, and financial assistance to construct fencing to protect agricultural and other resources.  Accordingly, your Committee believes that the prudent approach to addressing the existing axis deer population should be managing, rather than eradicating the population.

 

     The Invasive Species Council (Council) was established for the specific purpose of providing policy level direction, coordination, and planning among government agencies and local initiatives for the control and eradication of harmful invasive species throughout the State and for preventing the introduction of potentially harmful invasive species.  Your Committee finds that the Council is better positioned to holistically address the invasive species in the county of Maui, and therefore respectfully recommends to your Committee on Finance that the funding provided in this measure be expended by the Council.

 

     Your Committee has amended this measure by changing its effective date to July 31, 2150, to encourage further discussion.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 265, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 265, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection.

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

____________________________

RICHARD P. CREAGAN, Chair