STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3505

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.R. No. 154

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 S.R. No. 154 entitled:

"SENATE RESOLUTION URGING THE STATE TO PROHIBIT THE INTRODUCTION OF BIOCONTROL AGENTS THAT MIGHT THREATEN ECONOMICALLY IMPORTANT FORAGE GRASS SPECIES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to urge the State to:

(1) Prohibit the introduction of biocontrol agents that might threaten economically important forage grass species; and

(2) Provide for the protection of Hawaii's rangelands and important forage grass species that sustain beef cattle production through funding policies, initiatives, and directives to state agencies to incentivize livestock grazing for the management of forage grasses and other vegetation on lands managed by the State and private sector that are currently undermanaged.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; Larry Jefts Farms, LLC; Ponoholo Ranch; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau, and three individuals.

Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Your Committee finds that many forage grasses were intentionally introduced into the State to support the beef cattle industry. Your Committee further finds that these forage grasses also provide important ground cover for the ecology of the State's rangelands. This measure aims to protect local livestock production and the environment of the State by preventing the eradication of these important forage grasses species.

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 S.R. No. 154 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