STAND. COM. REP. NO. 349
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: S.B. No. 558
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Twenty-Ninth State Legislature
Regular Session of 2017
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committees on Agriculture and Environment and Water and Land, to which was referred S.B. No. 558 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO INVASIVE SPECIES,"
beg leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to provide funds to establish invasive species technician positions for the Department of Land and Natural Resources' Division of Forestry and Wildlife in east Maui to control invasive species.
Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture; Department of Land and Natural Resources; Hawaii Farmers Union United; Conservation Council for Hawaii; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; We Are One, Inc.; and twenty-one individuals. Your Committees received testimony in opposition to this measure from Animal Rights Hawai‘i.
Your Committees find that the invasion of insects, disease bearing organisms, snakes, weeds, and other pests is a major threat to the State's economy, natural environment, and health. A continued commitment to having the best possible understanding, science, plans, and capacity is necessary to maintain and enhance invasive species prevention and mitigation in Hawaii to effectively protect the State's natural resources and economy and the health and lifestyle of its people.
As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Agriculture and Environment and Water and Land that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 558 and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Agriculture and Environment and Water and Land,
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________________________________ KARL RHOADS, Chair |
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________________________________ MIKE GABBARD, Chair |
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