STAND. COM. REP. NO. 643

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: H.B. No. 299

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 H.B. No. 299, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE HAWAII INVASIVE SPECIES COUNCIL,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds for the Native Resources and Fire Protection Program and Hawaii Invasive Species Council to continue to control and eradicate invasive species in the State.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources; Department of Health; Department of Agriculture; Hawaii Invasive Species Council; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Climate Change and Health Working Group; Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi; Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species; The Outdoor Circle; Kuaʻāina Ulu ʻAuamo; Hawaiʻi Reef and Ocean Coalition; Oʻahu Invasive Species Committee; Green Party of Hawaiʻi; Kauai Invasive Species Committee; Carol Kwan Consulting, LLC; and numerous individuals.

Your Committee finds that invasive species pose a significant threat to Hawaii's ecosystems, agriculture, public health, and economy. The Hawaii Invasive Species Council plays a critical role in coordinating efforts across state, federal, and private entities to prevent, control, and eradicate harmful species such as the little fire ant, coqui frog, and fungi that cause rapid ohia death. Despite its essential work, the Hawaii Invasive Species Council's funding has remained stagnant while the demand for resources has grown, limiting its ability to fully address emerging threats. By supporting the Hawaii Invasive Species Council, this measure ensures a proactive and coordinated response to invasive species, protecting Hawaii's biodiversity, food security, and public health.

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 H.B. No. 299, 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 Agriculture & Food Systems,

____________________________

KIRSTIN KAHALOA, Chair