STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1123

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 1864

       H.D. 2

       S.D. 1

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2007

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Water, Land, Agriculture, and Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 1864, H.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO LIABILITY FOR COQUI FROG ERADICATION EFFORTS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to aid in the eradication of invasive species in Hawaii by providing government agencies and private entities limited liability immunity for injuries sustained by volunteers who are engaged in coqui frog eradication efforts.

     Testimony in support of this measure was submitted by the Department of Land and Natural Resources; the Department of Agriculture; the Mayor, County of Maui; and two individual.

     The introduction of the coqui frog in Hawaii has resulted in a serious problem for residents and tourists.  The infestation of coqui frogs has forced government agencies to enlist the help of volunteers to aid in the eradication efforts.  During coqui frog eradication projects, volunteers are required to move through forested areas or areas dense in vegetation, which may create hazardous conditions for or has the potential of causing injury to these volunteers.  Your Committee finds that providing government agencies and private entities with limited liability immunity from injuries sustained by volunteers who are engaged in coqui frog eradication efforts fulfills the intent of this measure, which is to further aid in the eradication of invasive species in Hawaii.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by changing the effective date of this measure from January 1, 2112, to effective upon approval.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water, Land, Agriculture, and Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1864, H.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1864, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Judiciary and Labor.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water, Land, Agriculture, and Hawaiian Affairs,

____________________________

RUSSELL S. KOKUBUN, Chair