Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Transportation, Military Affairs and Government Operations and Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2971, S.D. 1, entitled:

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish a state administrator/coordinator to orchestrate efforts to control invasive species in Hawaii.

Your Committees received oral testimony commenting upon this measure from the Department of Transportation (DOT).

Your Committees find that Hawaii's agriculture industry is experiencing tremendous growth. However, alien invasive species are causing substantial economic damage to the agriculture industry and environmental damage to Hawaii's native species of plants and animals.

In the past, combating alien invasive species has consisted of a hodgepodge of uncoordinated efforts by different agencies. The results have been less than adequate to fully control alien invasive species in Hawaii. Your Committees find that this measure establishes a single entity that can coordinate interagency efforts to manage and control invasive species efficiently, effectively, and successfully.

Your Committees have amended this measure by deleting every provision for the earmarking of state funds for invasive species control. While your Committees recognize that funding for this cause is necessary, the DOT testified that it already dedicates some departmental funds for this purpose, and is part of a collaborative effort that may also ultimately recommend additional sources of funding. In addition, the DOT testified that it has concerns over earmarking airport funds for the purposes of this measure.

Your Committees also made several technical, nonsubstantive amendments to this measure for purposes of internal consistency, clarity, and accuracy.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Transportation, Military Affairs and Government Operations and Ways and Means that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2971, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass third reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2971, S.D. 2.