STAND.
COM. REP. NO. 1483
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: S.B. No. 746
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 Water & Land, to which was referred S.B. No. 746, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO INVASIVE SPECIES,"
begs leave to report as follows:
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources; Department of Agriculture; Hawaii Invasive Species Council; Windward Coalition; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi; and two individuals.
Your Committee finds that the coconut rhinoceros beetle poses a severe threat to Hawaii's native and agricultural landscapes. Since its initial detection in 2013, the beetle has rapidly expanded across Oahu and has been identified on Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii Island, causing widespread damage to tree canopies, diminishing natural habitats, and undermining reforestation and conservation efforts. To mitigate further spread and destruction, this measure establishes a two-year Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Eradication Pilot Program within the Department of Land and Natural Resources, prioritizing coordinated eradication strategies and public participation to safeguard Hawaii's natural resources, native ecosystems, and agricultural sustainability.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water & Land that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 746, S.D. 2, 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 Water & Land,
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____________________________ MARK J. HASHEM, Chair |
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