STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2019

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 1546

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 Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 1546, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to eradicate mosquitoes from Hawaii to protect public health and native species.

Specifically, this measure appropriates funds to the University of Hawaii to increase research, coordinate with appropriate state agencies, and develop a plan for the statewide eradication of mosquitoes.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and University of Hawaii.

Your Committee finds that the transmission of avian malaria by mosquitoes has decimated the State's native bird population. Your Committee further finds that mosquitoes are a disease vector that threatens human health. Your Committee also finds that the University of Hawaii and its partner organizations have researched mosquito control techniques that could potentially benefit both native wildlife and human health in Hawaii.

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. 1546, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair