Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 2708, H.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to allow the Department of Agriculture to quarantine and, when necessary, destroy any animal -- including wildlife -- known to be susceptible to any contagious, infectious, or communicable disease, in order to prevent the spread of the disease.

In addition, this measure authorizes the Department of Agriculture to require the disinfection of premises and materials contaminated by or exposed to disease, including the proper disposition of hides and carcasses, in order to prevent the spread of disease.

Your Committee finds that this measure will allow the Department of Agriculture to prevent and, when necessary, control the spread of animal diseases of economic concern such as hoof and mouth disease, classical swine fever, avian influenza, and Newcastle's disease. In addition, this measure will allow the Department of Agriculture to prevent and, when necessary, control the spread of zoonoses or diseases of animals that can be transmitted to humans (e.g., rabies).

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. 2708, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.