Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Energy & Environmental Protection and Agriculture, to which was referred H.B. No. 2263 entitled:

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to require the Department of Agriculture to charge and collect fees for invasive species inspection, quarantine, and eradication services from any person who imports articles or "means of conveyance" into the State.

"Means of conveyance" means any personal property used for or intended for use for the movement of any other personal property that could harbor an invasive species.

Your Committees find that the invasion of the State by invasive species seriously threatens Hawaii's economy and natural environment. Invasive species cause millions of dollars in crop losses, the extinction of native species, the destruction of native forests, and the spread of disease. The cost, however, to properly and adequately control or eradicate these unwanted pests and plants is substantial.

This bill addresses the high cost of fighting invasive species by providing a dedicated source of funding and a state treasury fund to support the fight against invasive species. Your Committees note that the bill also assesses fees only on those persons that may be introducing unwanted pests and plants into the State.

Your Committees have amended the bill by providing a definition of "invasive species" and by making technical amendments for purposes of style and clarity.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Energy & Environmental Protection and Agriculture that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2263, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2263, H.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Finance.