STAND. COM. REP. NO. 633

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: H.B. No. 1427

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems, to which was referred H.B. No. 1427, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AVIAN INFLUENZA,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds to the Department of Health and Department of Agriculture to prevent, monitor, and respond to avian influenza in the State.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Health; Department of Land and Natural Resources; Department of Agriculture; State Health Planning and Development Agency; Villa Rose/Waialua Eggs; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Hawaii Food Industry Association; Kapapala Ranch; Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council; Carol Kwan Consulting, LLC; and three individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from four individuals.

Your Committee finds that avian influenza, or bird flu, poses a significant threat to Hawaii's agriculture, public health, and unique ecosystems. The recent detection of H5N1 in backyard poultry and wastewater across the State underscores the urgent need for enhanced monitoring and biosecurity measures. While the current risk to humans is considered low, the virus has infected farm workers in other states, and its potential to mutate and spread more easily remains a serious concern. This measure addresses these risks by appropriating funds to the Department of Health and the Department of Agriculture to strengthen surveillance, response efforts, and public education on avian influenza. By investing in proactive monitoring, biosecurity protocols, and public awareness, this measure helps safeguard local farms, protect food production, and minimize the potential for widespread transmission.

Your Committee respectfully requests your Committee on Finance, should it deliberate on this measure, to consider an appropriation amount of $293,000 for the Department of Agriculture and between $3,300,000 and $4,700,000, depending on the availability of federal funds, for the Department of Health.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1427, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems,

____________________________

KIRSTIN KAHALOA, Chair