Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2004

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection, to which was referred S.B. No. 2247, S.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to assist Hawaii's agricultural industry by appropriating funds to fight specific invasive species.

The Pineapple Growers Association of Hawaii, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Audubon Society, Sierra Club-Hawaii Chapter, Kihei Akahi AOAO, and a concerned individual supported this bill. The Department of Land and Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture, Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, and the Nature Conservancy of Hawaii supported the intent of this measure.

Your Committee finds that invasive species cause great harm to Hawaii's agricultural industry. Destructive insects, diseases, and weeds wreak havoc on the viability of farmers, ranchers, livestock, and nursery operations. Further, invasive species also adversely affect human health; our natural environment, including Hawaii's native species; and other areas of the state economy. Thus, there is a need to combat invasive species through a comprehensive, across-the-board approach.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2247, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Finance.