STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3~8I -24
Honolulu, Hawaii
MAR25 , 2024
RE: H.R. No. 169
H.D. 1
Honorable Scott K. Saiki
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Second State Legislature
Regular Session of 2024
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems, to which was
referred H.R. No. 169 entitled:
“HOUSE RESOLUTION URGING THE STATE TO PROHIBIT THE
INTRODUCTION OF BIOCONTROL AGENTS THAT MIGHT THREATEN
ECONOMICALLY IMPORTANT FORAGE GRASS SPECIES,”
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to urge the State to:
(1) Prohibit the use of biocontrol agents that might threaten
economically important forage grass species; and
(2) Provide for the protection of Hawaii’s rangelands and
grass species that sustain beef cattle production
through funding policies, initiatives, and directives to
state agencies.
Your Committee received no written testimony for this
measure.
Your Committee finds that Hawai’i’s beef cattle industry has
created significant economic and environmental benefits, including
contributions to the state economy, job creation, food security,
and culture. Your Committee recognizes the importance of Hawaii’s
rangelands, which cover about twenty percent of the state’s
HD1 HSCR AGR
 STAND. COM. REP. NO. -24
Page 2
landmass, in providing ecosystem services such as soil
stabilization and carbon sequestration. It recognizes ranchers as
essential stewards of these lands, managing them through livestock
grazing to prevent soil erosion and invasive weed growth. Your
Committee further finds reason for concern regarding the labeling
of certain forage grasses as invasive species, noting their
importance for both livestock feed and ecological balance. Your
Committee acknowledges the role of livestock grazing in managing
these grasses and reducing the risk of wildfires.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Deleting language describing ranchers as grass farmers
and replacing it with the critical role they play in
managing lands and reducing fuels loads; and
(2) Adding language requesting the State to also consider a
holistic approach when addressing wildfire risk by
utilizing a variety of tools and strategies.
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 concurs with the intent and purpose of H.R.
No. 169, as amended herein, and recommends its adoption in the
form attached hereto as H.R. No. 169, H.D. 1.
Respectfully submitted on
behalf of the members of the
Committee on Agriculture & Food
Systems,
AS UE GA GATES, chair
HR169 HD1 HSCR AGR
 State of Hawaii
House of Representatives
The Thirty-second Legislature
~I~fJ~p~ 1~~1“p244
Record of Votes of the Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems
Bill/Resolution No.: Committee Referral: Date:
\-iR~\6’~I 03J10J202’-I
D The committee is reconsidering its previous decision on the measure.
The recommendation is to: Q Pass, unamended (as is) Pass, with amendments (HD) C Hold
C Pass short form bill with RD to recommit for future public hearing (recommit)
AGR Members Ayes Ayes (WR) Nays Excused
1. GATES, Cedric Asuega (C)
2. KAHALOA, Kirstin (VC)
3. COCHRAN, Elle
4. LOWEN, Nicole E.
~-~--
5. PERRUSO, Amy A.
—
6. WOODSON, Justin H. V
7. WARD, Gene
TOTAL (7) /
The recommendation is: ~“Adopted LI Not Adopted
If joint referral, did not support recommendation.
committee acronym(s)
Vice Chair’s or designee’s signature: ~~—___42___--- 2E7~~7
Distribution: Original (White) Committee
— Duplicate (Yellow) — Chief Clerks Office Duplicate (Pink) — HIVISO