STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1501

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                   

 

RE:     H.B. No. 1149

        H.D. 2

        S.D. 1

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 1149, H.D. 2, entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE COCONUT RHINOCEROS BEETLE PROGRAM,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to strengthen support for key positions within the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Response Program.

 

More specifically, the measure provides funding to the University of Hawaii to support numerous permanent full-time staff positions in the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Response Program.

 

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the University of Hawaii, Department of Agriculture, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Hawaii Farm Bureau, East Oahu County Farm Bureau, Waimanalo Agricultural Association, Island Foodscaping, Waimanalo Neighborhood Board, and seven individuals.

 

     Your Committee finds that this measure will fund core services provided by the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Response Program, including the research, response, education, and investigative work needed to maintain a successful and effective program.

 

     Your Committee has amended this measure by changing the effective date to July 1, 2050, to facilitate further discussion on the measure.

 

     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. 1149, H.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1149, H.D. 2, S.D. 1.

 

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

 

 

 

________________________________

DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair