STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1853

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    H.B. No. 201

       H.D. 1

       S.D. 1

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred H.B. No. 201, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

 

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

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to clarify that certain agencies and its employees have the authority to enter private property to control and eradicate invasive species when there is a reasonable suspicion that invasive species are present.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources; Department of Agriculture; Office of the Mayor of the County of Hawai‘i; Maui Chamber of Commerce; Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc.; and two individuals.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from Animal Rights Hawai‘i.

 

     Your Committee finds that invasive species are persistent and an ongoing issue that is detrimental to the State's various industries, ecosystem, and quality of life.  Invasive species can swiftly and permanently alter the ecosystem of the State if not effectively and efficiently eradicated.  Your Committee further finds that it is critically important to address a new invasive pest species as soon as it is detected to ensure the protection of the State's ecosystem.  This measure will clarify the power of an authorized agent to enter private property when there is reasonable suspicion that an invasive species is present to ensure the rapid and complete removal of such species and pests.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 201, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

 

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

 

 

 

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KARL RHOADS, Chair