STAND. COM. REP. NO.  9

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2017

RE:   H.B. No. 606

      H.D. 1

Honorable Joseph M. Souki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2017

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred H.B. No. 606 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO COUNTY ACCESS TO PRIVATE PROPERTY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to authorize the counties to enter private property to control or eradicate invasive species and pests.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources, Mayor of the County of Maui, the Hawaiian Electric Companies, and a few individuals supported this measure.  The Department of Agriculture and the Hawaii Association of Realtors supported the intent of this measure.  Best Friends Animal Society, Kauai Community Cat Project, and an individual opposed this measure.  The West Hawaii Humane Society and an individual provided comments.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by authorizing agents of state departments or counties to enter private property to control or eradicate invasive species that are found on the premises and have been identified by the Hawaii Invasive Species Council for control or eradication.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 606, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 606, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection,

____________________________

CHRIS LEE, Chair