STAND. COM. REP. NO.  735-16

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2016

 

RE:   H.B. No. 2424

      H.D. 1

 

 

 

Honorable Joseph M. Souki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2016

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 2424, H.D. 1, entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO BIOSECURITY,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this measure is to control and prevent invasive species threats to the State by:

 

     (1)  Allowing the Department of Agriculture to establish or participate in public-private partnerships to enhance the Department's Biosecurity Program and quarantine inspection process; and

 

     (2)  Appropriating funds for the Biosecurity Program.

 

     The Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, Hawaii Crop Improvement Association, Conservation Council for Hawaii, Hawaii Tropical Flower Council, Hawaii Tropical Flowers and Foliage Association, Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association, Hawaii Academy of Arts and Science Public Charter School, Maui County Farm Bureau, Orchid Growers of Hawaii, Hawaii Farmers and Ranchers United, and a few individuals provided testimony in support of this measure.  The Department of Agriculture, Department of Land and Natural Resources, and Hawaii Farm Bureau provided comments.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2424, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,

 

 

 

 

____________________________

SYLVIA LUKE, Chair