STAND. COM. REP. NO. 552-20

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2020

RE: H.B. No. 1714

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred H.B. No. 1714, H.D. 1, entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds:

(1) To substantially reduce and manage the overpopulation of axis deer in the County of Maui; provided that the population of axis deer shall be managed properly rather than eradicated; and

(2) For the County of Maui to prepare a plan detailing how the county will reduce and manage the county's overpopulation of axis deer.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture, Office of the Mayor of the County of Maui, Maui County Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Maui Chamber of Commerce, and one individual. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Your Committee finds that axis deer pose a significant threat to the sustainability of local food production by destroying crops and competing with livestock for forage. Although the axis deer population may be referred to as an invasive species, it also significantly contributes to the subsistence hunting lifestyle and cultural practices of residents of Maui, Molokai, and Lanai. Accordingly, available resources should be focused on the management of the axis deer population to mitigate its harmful impact on local environments and food production.

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. 1714, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

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

____________________________

NICOLE E. LOWEN, Chair