STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1420

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2007

RE:   S.B. No. 1066

      S.D. 2

      H.D. 1

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2007

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred S.B. No. 1066, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO INVASIVE SPECIES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this bill is to protect Hawaii's fragile environment from invasive species by:

     (1)  Requiring the Department of Agriculture (DOA) to collect service fees or charges for pest inspection, quarantine, and eradication services from any importer of commercial shipments, as defined by rule, and subject to the provisions of section 150A-5 relating to the importation of plants and animals, and chapter 141, Hawaii Revised Statutes, relating to DOA including its duties;

     (2)  Establishing the Pest Inspection, Quarantine, and Eradication Fund (Fund) to be used for the operation of inspection and monitoring programs, related facilities, and the execution of emergency remedial measures when pests are detected;

     (3)  Including, in the list of funding sources for the Fund, grants and gifts, federal funds, interest earned from moneys in the Fund, and any other moneys made available to the Fund; and

     (4)  Appropriating funds out of the Fund to be used for the purposes of the Fund.

     The Department of Agriculture, Mayor of Maui County, the Council Chair of the Maui County Council, a member of the Maui County Council, Conservation Council for Hawaii, The Nature Conservancy, and Hawaii Forest Industry Association testified in support of this bill.  The Department of Land and Natural Resources supported the intent of this measure.  The Department of Budget and Finance (B&F), The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, Alexander and Baldwin, Inc., Matson Navigation Company, Inc., and Horizon Lines, LLC testified in opposition to this bill.

     Invasive species have become a major problem for Hawaii's fragile ecosystem.  Introduction of these pests not only affects Hawaii's natural flora and fauna but can also have a tremendous impact upon Hawaii's economy.  Protecting Hawaii from the establishment of these pests should be a priority for the State.

     While your Committee understands the concerns raised by B&F regarding the establishment of special funds and notes that a general fund appropriation to DOA may be a better alternative, the impact invasive species will have on Hawaii's environment, economy, and people will be disastrous if action is delayed and this measure deserves further consideration.  Your Committee respectfully requests that your Committee on Finance review the funding mechanism contained in this measure and determine if an alternative funding source may be more appropriate.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1066, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to the Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation,

____________________________

JOSEPH M. SOUKI, Chair