STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3393

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 1716

Honorable Donna Mercado Kim

President of the Senate

Twenty-Seventh State Legislature

Regular Session of 2014

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 1716 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR INVASIVE SPECIES PREVENTION, CONTROL, OUTREACH, RESEARCH, AND PLANNING,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate moneys to the Department of Land and Natural Resources for the immediate protection of Hawaii's environment and economy and the health and lifestyle of its people, through the support of invasive species prevention, control, outreach, research, and planning.

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Office of Planning; the Department of Agriculture; the Department of Land and Natural Resources; the County of Maui; the Department of Transportation; the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation; Hawaii Green Growth; Kauai Watershed Alliance; the Nature Conservancy; and two individuals.

     Your Committee finds that the invasion of Hawaii by insects, disease-bearing organisms, snakes, weeds, and other pests is the single greatest threat to Hawaii's economy and natural environment and to the health and lifestyle of Hawaii's people.  Your Committee further finds that the irreparable and costly damage caused by invasive species has significantly impacted agricultural producers and has threatened the innovation of sustainable practices.  Your Committee believes that this measure will help protect and preserve Hawaii's fragile ecosystem and unique environment from invasive species.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1716, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

____________________________

DAVID Y. IGE, Chair