STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1608

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 972

H.D. 1

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 972, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE ANIMAL INDUSTRY SPECIAL FUND,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to support the Division of Animal Industry of the Department of Agriculture.

Specifically, this measure:

(1) Provides that revenue from the Animal Industry Division Veterinary Laboratory and Animal Disease Control Branch shall be deposited into the animal industry special fund; and

(2) Authorizes animal industry special fund moneys to be expended on improvements to the Division of Animal Industry's laboratory capabilities and operations.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture; Hawaii Farm Bureau; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council; Hawaii Aquaculture and Aquaponics Association; Pacific Hybreed, Inc.; and one individual.

Your Committee finds that the rental of Animal Industry Division property or facilities has been a major source of revenue for the animal industry special fund. However, the proposed relocation of the Oahu Community Correctional Center to the Animal Quarantine Station in Halawa will eliminate this funding mechanism. Accordingly, your Committee finds that this measure is necessary to provide additional revenue sources for the animal industry special fund.

Your Committee has amended this measure by changing the effective date to July 1, 2050, to facilitate further discussion on the measure.

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. 972, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 972, H.D. 1, S.D. 1.

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

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair