STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1223

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: S.B. No. 562

S.D. 2

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 S.B. No. 562, S.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO INVASIVE SPECIES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Establish a Plant Nursery Registry Program to regulate the sale of nursery stock; and

(2) Require certain plant nurseries to register with the Department of Agriculture.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture; Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council; Office of the Mayor of the County of Maui; Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species; Hawaiʻi Reef and Ocean Coalition; Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy; Big Island Invasive Species Committee; and four individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Hawaiʻi Forest Industry Association. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Maui Chamber of Commerce.

Your Committee finds that Hawaii's nursery industry plays a crucial role in the State's agricultural economy. However, invasive species like the coconut rhinoceros beetle, little fire ant, and coqui frog, along with plant diseases, threaten the stability and success of local nurseries. While many nurseries take proactive steps to prevent infestations, the lack of statewide regulation leaves gaps that put consumers, farmers, and the environment at risk. This measure establishes a Plant Nursery Registration Program under the Department of Agriculture to strengthen oversight, prevent the spread of pests, and align Hawaii with proven regulatory models used in other states.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

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 S.B. No. 562, S.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 562, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.

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

____________________________

KIRSTIN KAHALOA, Chair