STAND. COM. REP. NO. 527

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: H.B. No. 47

H.D. 2

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 47, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AQUACULTURE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Authorize the Division of Animal Industry of the Department of Agriculture to adopt, amend, and repeal rules to develop an assessment and approval process to import and move aquatic livestock in the State; and

(2) Require and appropriate funds for the Division of Animal Industry to develop that process through a biological aquatic risk-based framework.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture; Hawaii Invasive Species Council; Agribusiness Development Corporation; Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy; Kowa Premium Foods Hawaii Corporation – Big Island Abalone; Hawaii Aquaculture and Aquaponics Association; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Kohala Mountain Fish Company; Hawaiʻi Farmers Union; and two individuals.

Your Committee finds that the State is home to some of the most unique and biodiverse marine ecosystems in the world. However, these ecosystems are highly sensitive to external influences, including the introduction of non-native aquatic species. Without a robust and comprehensive approval process, there is a significant risk of introducing invasive species, pathogens, or other harmful elements that could disrupt native habitats and harm local fisheries. This measure provides authority for the development of a comprehensive assessment and approval process to protect the environment and resources.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Specifying that the development of the biological aquatic risk-based framework is to be under the direction and oversight of the State Aquaculture Veterinarian; and

(2) Specifying that aquatic animal import permits valid on the effective date of the measure and that were vetted in public hearing and approved by the Plant and Animal Committee and the Board of Agriculture shall be carried over to the Division of Animal Industry and remain in force.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 47, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 47, H.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,

____________________________

SCOT Z. MATAYOSHI, Chair