STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2602

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    S.B. No. 2988

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred S.B. No. 2988 entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

 

     (1)  Appropriate funds to the Department of Agriculture for the control and mitigation of the two-lined spittlebug and for recovery efforts for lands damaged by the two-lined spittlebug; and

 

     (2)  Require a report to the Legislature.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the University of Hawai‘i System; Department of Agriculture; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; Local Food Coalition; Ulupono Initiative; Hawai‘i Farm Bureau; Ponoholo Ranch Limited; Parker Ranch, Inc.; Land Use Research Foundation of Hawaii; Larry Jefts Farms, LLC; and nine individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Budget and Finance and Big Island Invasive Species Committee.

 

     Your Committee finds that the two-lined spittlebug is an invasive species that attacks key forage grasses used by the livestock ranching industry.  Infestations of the two-lined spittlebug reduce the quality of forage pastures by irreparably damaging important grasses.  Grasses destroyed by the two-lined spittlebug also often must be replanted.  This measure appropriates funds to combat infestations of the two-lined spittlebug and to support recovery efforts.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture and Environment that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2988 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 Agriculture and Environment,

 

 

 

________________________________

MIKE GABBARD, Chair