STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1233

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 1220

H.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Water and Land and Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred H.B. No. 1220, H.D. 1, entitled:

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

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate funds to support the efforts of the Division of Aquatic Resources of the Department of Land and Natural Resources to remove the majano anemone from Kaneohe Bay.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture, Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council, University of Hawaiʻi System, Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, Ohana Unity Party, and three individuals.

Your Committees find that the majano anemone is a highly invasive species that spreads rapidly and aggressively and is capable of outcompeting native coral species for space and resources, posing a severe threat to the delicate coral reef system of Kaneohe Bay. If left unchecked, the majano anemone could decimate coral populations in the bay, destabilize the ecosystem, and harm marine life, including the fish populations that depend on healthy reefs. Your Committees also find that the Division of Aquatic Resources of the Department of Land and Natural Resources has proposed a multi-phase removal strategy tailored to the biology of the majano anemone. Accordingly, this measure may prevent further damage and spread of the majano anemone, ensuring that the State's coral reefs and marine ecosystems remain healthy and vibrant.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Water and Land and Agriculture and Environment that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1220, H.D. 1, and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Water and Land and Agriculture and Environment,

________________________________ MIKE GABBARD, Chair

________________________________ LORRAINE R. INOUYE, Chair