STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1703

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 1427

H.D. 1

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 1427, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

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

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Health, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Hawaii State Health Planning and Development Agency, Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union, Hawaii Food Industry Association, and four individuals.

Your Committee received written comments in opposition to this measure from the Aloha Freedom Coalition, Hawaiian Islands Republican Women, Hawaii Christian Coalition, and twelve individuals.

Your Committee finds that avian influenza poses significant risks to public health, dairy and poultry farmers, and Hawaii's native bird population. Your Committee further finds that preventing, monitoring, and responding to avian influenza in Hawaii is necessary to protect Hawaii residents, the agricultural industry, and the State's fragile ecological system.

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. 1427, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair