STAND. COM. REP. NO.  375

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2017

RE:   H.B. No. 254

      H.D. 1

Honorable Joseph M. Souki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2017

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committees on Agriculture and Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred H.B. No. 254 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO PESTICIDES,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to protect the environment and public safety by expanding the membership and duties of the Pesticide Advisory Committee.

IMUAlliance; Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action; Marghee's Mobile Medical; GMO Free Kauai; We Are One, Inc.; Hawaii Island School Garden Network; Hawaii Center for Food Safety; Hawaii Farmers Union United; League of Women Voters of Hawaii; GMO Free Maui; and numerous concerned individuals supported this measure.  The Department of Agriculture, Maui County Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farm Bureau, CropLife America, Ponoholo Ranch Limited, Monsanto, Western Plant Health Association, Hawaii Crop Improvement Association, Hawaii Floriculture & Nursery Association, DuPont Pioneer, Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Hawaii Farmers & Ranchers United, and a few concerned individuals opposed this measure.

     Your Committees have amended this measure by:

(1)  Changing its effective date to July 31, 2150, to promote further discussion; and

(2)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for clarity, consistency, and style.

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Agriculture and Energy & Environmental Protection that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 254, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 254, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Agriculture and Energy & Environmental Protection,

____________________________ CHRIS LEE, Chair

____________________________ RICHARD P. CREAGAN, Chair