STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3828

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.C.R. No. 24

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 24 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO CREATE A PLAN TO DEVELOP AN INVASIVE PESTS PLACARD PROGRAM AND ASSESS THE RESOURCES NEEDED TO IMPLEMENT THE PROGRAM,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to request the Department of Agriculture to:

(1) Create a plan to develop an Invasive Species Placard Program (Program) and assess the resources needed to implement the Program; and

(2) Submit the plan, an assessment of the resources needed to implement the Program, and its recommendations to the Legislature before the Regular Session of 2025.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and two individuals.

Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Agriculture.

Your Committee finds that horticultural trade is one of the primary pathways through which invasive pests are spread around the State. Your Committee further finds that color-coded placards, similar to the Department of Health's placard program to ensure food safety and cleanliness in restaurants and other food establishments, could be effective in restricting the movement of plants from a nursery, farm, or agriculture-related business that are infested with invasive pests within each island and across the State. This measure aims to protect the people and delicate environment of the State from invasive pests.

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 concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 24, and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture and Environment,

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MIKE GABBARD, Chair