STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3654

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 2015

H.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 2015, H.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:

(1) Establish a pilot program within the Aina Mauna legacy program of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to remove and harvest gorse from Mauna Kea and develop it as a marketable product to expand economic opportunities for native Hawaiians;

(2) Require reports to the Legislature; and

(3) Appropriate funds.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands; County of Hawai‘i, Office of the Mayor; EcoTipping Points Project; and two individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual. Your Committee received comments on this measure from one individual.

Your Committee finds that gorse is a highly invasive plant species that creates impenetrable thickets, which can be over twelve feet tall and is difficult to eradicate. Your Committee further finds that a significant need exists for greater economic opportunities for native Hawaiians. This measure will provide new economic opportunities for native Hawaiians by establishing a pilot program within the Aina Mauna Legacy Program of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to remove and harvest gorse from Mauna Kea and develop it as a marketable product.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2015, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Hawaiian Affairs,

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MAILE S.L. SHIMABUKURO, Chair