SB 177: DAB; Division of Animal Industry; Aquaculture Program; Import Evaluation; Biological Aquatic Risk-Based Framework; Biocontainment Standards; Aquatic Livestock

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO AQUACULTURE.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  Chapter 141, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part IV to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§141-     Aquatic livestock import evaluation and authorization process; rules.  The division of animal industry may adopt, amend, and repeal rules consistent with applicable law, to develop a science-based evaluation and authorization process to import and transport aquatic livestock within the State.  This process shall:

     (1)  Be based on the biological aquatic risk-based framework developed and maintained by the department pursuant to this chapter and chapter 142;

     (2)  Include mandatory pre-arrival disease testing, entry point inspection, and post-arrival monitoring and inspection; and

     (3)  Require mandatory quarantine, remediation, or depopulation of any aquatic animals determined to pose a biological aquatic risk."

     SECTION 2.  Section 141-51, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding three new definitions to be appropriately inserted and to read as follows:

     ""Aquatic livestock" means species of domesticated or non-native fish, crustaceans, and mollusks that are propagated and raised for food or similar human food production, ecological restoration, or similar commercial purposes.

     "Biocontainment" means the operational methods, procedures, physical facility features, and containment or safety equipment or the designs thereof, used for managing infectious or potentially hazardous materials and animals in an aquatic livestock facility or environment in which these materials and animals are potentially handled or maintained.  "Biocontainment" includes measures to prevent the release of infectious animal species and associated pathogens into the natural environment.

     "Biological aquatic risk" means the combination of the consequences of an event, the probability of an adverse biological event, and the magnitude of its potential consequences, where biological material constitutes the source of harm, whether from an escaped aquatic livestock species or associated pathogens or disease."

     SECTION 3.  Section 141-52, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:

     "(a)  There is established within the department an aquaculture program that shall:

     (1)  Monitor actions taken by industry and by federal, state, county, and private agencies in activities relating to aquaculture, and promote and support worthwhile aquaculture activities;

     (2)  Serve as an information clearinghouse for aquaculture activities;

     (3)  Coordinate development projects to investigate and solve biological and technical problems involved in raising selected species with commercial potential;

     (4)  Actively seek federal funding for aquaculture activities;

     (5)  Undertake activities required to develop and expand the aquaculture industry[; and], which shall include:

          (A)  Developing a biological aquatic risk-based framework for the evaluation and authorization process for aquatic livestock that categorizes aquatic livestock species based on the probability and consequence of the establishment of a self-sustaining feral or invasive population; and

          (B)  Developing biocontainment standards that establish minimum physical design and operational performance requirements for aquatic livestock facilities; and

     (6)  Perform other functions and activities that may be assigned by law."

     SECTION 4.  Section 161-6, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "§161-6  Division of animal industry.  The division of animal industry of the department of agriculture and biosecurity shall administer this chapter subject to the supervision of the board.  The board may delegate any of its powers under this chapter, except the power to make rules and regulations[,] other than rules pursuant to section 141-   , or may direct any of its duties to be performed by any appropriate agents, officers, or employees of the board.

     The board may employ on a full or part-time basis veterinarians and poultry inspectors, subject to chapter 76, to carry out a uniform inspection system of poultry or poultry products throughout the State.  All poultry inspectors shall be under the supervision and control of a veterinarian employed by the board."

     SECTION 5.  (a)  The division of animal industry shall develop a biological aquatic risk-based framework for the evaluation and authorization process to import and transport aquatic livestock within the State.  In developing the framework, the division of animal industry shall consider:

     (1)  Relevant standards promulgated or recognized by the United States Department of Agriculture;

     (2)  Current aquatic livestock import policies, disease risks, and industry development issues;

     (3)  Best practices of the aquaculture industry, including internationally recognized biosecurity and disease management protocols; and

     (4)  The protection of indigenous species as defined in section 195D-2, Hawaii Revised Statutes, and their habitats.

     (b)  For the purposes of this section, "biological aquatic risk" has the same meaning as defined in section 141-51, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     SECTION 6.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 7.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

Report Title:

DAB; Division of Animal Industry; Aquaculture Program; Import Evaluation; Biological Aquatic Risk-Based Framework; Biocontainment Standards; Aquatic Livestock

Description:

Authorizes the Division of Animal Industry of the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to adopt, amend, and repeal rules to develop an evaluation and authorization process to import and transport aquatic livestock in the State.  Requires the Aquaculture Program to develop a biological aquatic risk-based framework and biocontainment standards for the aquatic livestock evaluation and authorization process.  (CD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO AQUACULTURE.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  Chapter 141, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part IV to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§141-     Aquatic livestock import assessment and approval process; rules.  The division of animal industry may adopt, amend, and repeal rules not inconsistent with law, to develop an assessment and approval process to import and move aquatic livestock in the State.  This process shall:

     (1)  Be based on the framework maintained by the department pursuant to this chapter and chapter 142;

     (2)  Include pre-arrival disease testing requirements, entry inspection, and post-arrival inspection; and

     (3)  Require quarantine or depopulation of any aquatic animals as necessary."

     SECTION 2.  Section 141-51, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding three new definitions to be appropriately inserted and to read as follows:

     ""Aquatic livestock" means various species of domestic and non-domestic fish, crustaceans, and mollusks that are propagated and raised for food, restorative activities, or similar commercial purposes.

     "Biocontainment" means the methods, procedures, facility features, and containment or safety equipment for infectious materials and animals in the aquatic livestock environment where these materials and animals are potentially handled or maintained.  "Biocontainment" includes preventing the release of infectious animal species and associated pathogens into the environment.

     "Biological aquatic risk" means the combination of the consequences of an event and the associated likelihood of its occurrence, where biological material is the source of harm, whether from an escaped aquatic livestock species or associated pathogens or disease."

     SECTION 3.  Section 141-52, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:

     "(a)  There is established within the department an aquaculture program that shall:

     (1)  Monitor actions taken by industry and by federal, state, county, and private agencies in activities relating to aquaculture, and promote and support worthwhile aquaculture activities;

     (2)  Serve as an information clearinghouse for aquaculture activities;

     (3)  Coordinate development projects to investigate and solve biological and technical problems involved in raising selected species with commercial potential;

     (4)  Actively seek federal funding for aquaculture activities;

     (5)  Undertake activities required to develop and expand the aquaculture industry[; and], which shall include:

          (A)  Developing a biological aquatic risk-based framework for an assessment and approval process for aquatic livestock that categorizes aquatic livestock species based on the probability and consequence of the establishment of a feral population; and

          (B)  Developing biocontainment standards that establish physical and operational requirements; and

     (6)  Perform other functions and activities that may be assigned by law."

     SECTION 4.  Section 161-6, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "[[]§161-6[]]  Division of animal industry.  The division of animal industry of the department of agriculture shall administer this chapter subject to the supervision of the board.  The board may delegate any of its powers under this chapter, except the power to make rules and regulations[,] other than rules pursuant to section 141-   , or may direct any of its duties to be performed by any appropriate agents, officers, or employees of the board.

     The board may employ on a full or part-time basis veterinarians and poultry inspectors, subject to chapter 76, to carry out a uniform inspection system of poultry or poultry products throughout the State.  All poultry inspectors shall be under the supervision and control of a veterinarian employed by the board."

     SECTION 5.  (a)  The division of animal industry shall develop a biological aquatic risk-based framework for the assessment and approval process to import and move aquatic livestock in the State.  In developing the framework, the division of animal industry shall consider:

     (1)  Relevant standards established by the United States Department of Agriculture;

     (2)  Current aquatic livestock policies and development issues;

     (3)  Best practices of the aquaculture industry; and

     (4)  The protection of indigenous species as defined in section 195D-2, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     (b)  For the purposes of this section, "biological aquatic risk" has the same meaning as in section 141-51, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     SECTION 6.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the division of animal industry to develop a biological aquatic risk-based framework pursuant to the requirements of this Act.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 7.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 8.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

DOA; Division of Animal Industry; Aquaculture Program; Import Assessment; Biological Aquatic Risk-Based Framework; Biocontainment Standards; Aquatic Livestock; Appropriation

Description:

Authorizes the Division of Animal Industry of the Department of Agriculture to adopt, amend, and repeal rules to develop an assessment and approval process to import and move aquatic livestock in the State.  Requires the Aquaculture Program to develop a biological aquatic risk-based framework and biocontainment standards for the aquatic livestock assessment and approval process.  Appropriates funds.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO AQUACULTURE.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  Chapter 141, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part IV to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§141-    Aquatic livestock import assessment and approval process; rules.  The division of animal industry shall have the authority to adopt, amend, and repeal rules not inconsistent with law, to develop an assessment and approval process to import and move aquatic livestock in the State.  This process shall:

     (1)  Be based on the framework maintained by the department pursuant to this chapter and chapter 142;

     (2)  Include pre-arrival disease testing requirements, entry inspection, and post-arrival inspection; and

     (3)  Require quarantine or depopulation of any aquatic animals as necessary."

     SECTION 2.  Section 141-51, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding three new definitions to be appropriately inserted and to read as follows:

     ""Aquatic livestock" means various species of domestic and non-domestic fish, crustaceans, and mollusks that are propagated and raised for food, restorative activities, or similar commercial purposes.

     "Biocontainment" means the methods, procedures, facility features, and containment or safety equipment for infectious materials and animals in the aquatic livestock environment where these materials and animals are potentially handled or maintained.  "Biocontainment" includes preventing the release of infectious animal species and associated pathogens into the environment.

     "Biological aquatic risk" means the combination of the consequences of an event and the associated likelihood of its occurrence, where biological material is the source of harm, whether from an escaped aquatic livestock species or associated pathogens or disease."

     SECTION 3.  Section 141-52, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:

     "(a)  There is established within the department an aquaculture program that shall:

     (1)  Monitor actions taken by industry and by federal, state, county, and private agencies in activities relating to aquaculture, and promote and support worthwhile aquaculture activities;

     (2)  Serve as an information clearinghouse for aquaculture activities;

     (3)  Coordinate development projects to investigate and solve biological and technical problems involved in raising selected species with commercial potential;

     (4)  Actively seek federal funding for aquaculture activities;

     (5)  Undertake activities required to develop and expand the aquaculture industry[; and], which shall include:

          (A)  Developing a biological aquatic risk-based framework for an assessment and approval process for aquatic livestock that categorizes aquatic livestock species based on the probability and consequence of the establishment of a feral population; and

          (B)  Developing biocontainment standards that establish physical and operational requirements; and

     (6)  Perform other functions and activities that may be assigned by law."

     SECTION 4.  Section 161-6, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "[[]§161-6[]]  Division of animal industry.  The division of animal industry of the department of agriculture shall administer this chapter subject to the supervision of the board.  [The] Except as provided by section 141-  , the board may delegate any of its powers under this chapter, except the power to make rules and regulations, or may direct any of its duties to be performed by any appropriate agents, officers, or employees of the board.

     The board may employ on a full or part-time basis veterinarians and poultry inspectors, subject to chapter 76, to carry out a uniform inspection system of poultry or poultry products throughout the State.  All poultry inspectors shall be under the supervision and control of a veterinarian employed by the board."

     SECTION 5.  The division of animal industry shall develop a biological aquatic risk-based framework for the assessment and approval process to import and move aquatic livestock in the State.  In developing the framework, the division of animal industry shall consider:

     (1)  Relevant standards established by the United States Department of Agriculture;

     (2)  Current aquatic livestock policies and development issues;

     (3)  Best practices of aquaculture industry; and

     (4)  The protection of indigenous species as defined in section 195D-2, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     SECTION 6.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the division of animal industry to develop a biological aquatic risk-based framework pursuant to the requirements of this Act.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 7.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 8.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.

Report Title:

DOA; Division of Animal Industry; Aquaculture Program; Import Assessment; Biological Aquatic Risk-Based Framework; Biocontainment Standards; Aquatic Livestock; Appropriations

Description:

Authorizes the Division of Animal Industry of the Department of Agriculture to adopt, amend, and repeal rules to develop an assessment and approval process to import and move aquatic livestock in the State.  Requires the Aquaculture Program to develop a biological aquatic risk-based framework and biocontainment standards for the aquatic livestock assessment and approval process.  Appropriates funds.  Effective 7/1/2050.  (SD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to aquaculture.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  Chapter 141, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part IV to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§141-    Aquatic livestock import assessment and approval process; rules.  The division of animal industry shall have the power to adopt, amend, and repeal rules not inconsistent with law, to develop an assessment and approval process to import and move aquatic livestock in the State.  This process shall:

     (1)  Be based on the framework maintained by the department pursuant to this chapter and chapter 142;

     (2)  Include pre-arrival disease testing requirements, entry inspection, and post-arrival inspection; and

     (3)  Require quarantine or depopulation of any aquatic animals as necessary."

     SECTION 2.  Section 141-51, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding three new definitions to be appropriately inserted and to read as follows:

     ""Aquatic livestock" means various species of domestic and non-domestic fish, crustaceans, and mollusks that are propagated and raised for food, restorative activities, or similar commercial purposes.

     "Biocontainment" means the methods, procedures, facility features, and containment or safety equipment for infectious materials and animals in the aquatic livestock environment where these materials and animals are potentially handled or maintained.  "Biocontainment" includes preventing the release of infectious animal species and associated pathogens into the environment.

     "Biological aquatic risk" means the combination of the consequences of an event and the associated likelihood of its occurrence, where biological material is the source of harm, whether from an escaped aquatic livestock species or associated pathogens or disease."

     SECTION 3.  Section 141-52, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:

     "(a)  There is established within the department an aquaculture program that shall:

     (1)  Monitor actions taken by industry and by federal, state, county, and private agencies in activities relating to aquaculture, and promote and support worthwhile aquaculture activities;

     (2)  Serve as an information clearinghouse for aquaculture activities;

     (3)  Coordinate development projects to investigate and solve biological and technical problems involved in raising selected species with commercial potential;

     (4)  Actively seek federal funding for aquaculture activities;

     (5)  Undertake activities required to develop and expand the aquaculture industry[; and], which shall include:

          (A)  Developing a biological aquatic risk-based framework for an assessment and approval process for aquatic livestock that categorizes aquatic livestock species based on the probability and consequence of the establishment of a feral population; and

          (B)  Developing biocontainment standards that establish physical and operational requirements; and

     (6)  Perform other functions and activities that may be assigned by law."

     SECTION 4.  Section 161-6, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "[[]§161-6[]]  Division of animal industry.  The division of animal industry of the department of agriculture shall administer this chapter subject to the supervision of the board.  [The] Except as provided by section 141-  , the board may delegate any of its powers under this chapter, except the power to make rules and regulations, or may direct any of its duties to be performed by any appropriate agents, officers, or employees of the board.

     The board may employ on a full or part-time basis veterinarians and poultry inspectors, subject to chapter 76, to carry out a uniform inspection system of poultry or poultry products throughout the State.  All poultry inspectors shall be under the supervision and control of a veterinarian employed by the board."

     SECTION 5.  The division of animal industry shall develop a biological aquatic risk-based framework for the assessment and approval process to import and move aquatic livestock in the State.  In developing the framework, the division of animal industry shall consider:

     (1)  Relevant standards established by the United States Department of Agriculture;

     (2)  Current aquatic livestock policies and development issues;

     (3)  Best practices of aquaculture industry; and

     (4)  The protection of indigenous species as defined in section 195D-2, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     SECTION 6.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the division of animal industry to develop a biological aquatic risk-based framework pursuant to the requirements of this Act.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 7.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 8.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.

Report Title:

DOA; Division of Animal Industry; Aquaculture Program; Import Assessment; Biological Aquatic Risk-Based Framework; Biocontainment Standards; Aquatic Livestock; Appropriations

Description:

Authorizes the Division of Animal Industry of the Department of Agriculture to adopt, amend, and repeal rules to develop an assessment and approval process to import and move aquatic livestock in the State.  Requires the Aquaculture Program to develop a risk-based framework and biocontainment standards for the aquatic livestock assessment and approval process.  Makes appropriations.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1963

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   S.B. No. 177

      S.D. 1

      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 Finance, to which was referred S.B. No. 177, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AQUACULTURE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to:

     (1)  Authorize the Division of Animal Industry of the Department of Agriculture to adopt, amend, and repeal rules to develop an assessment and approval process to import and move aquatic livestock in the State; and

     (2)  Require and appropriate funds for the Division of Animal Industry to develop that process through a biological aquatic risk-based framework.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture; Department of Research and Development of the County of Hawai‘i; Hawai‘i Farm Bureau; and two individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Hawaii Aquaculture and Aquaponics Association.

     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 S.B. No. 177, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1381

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   S.B. No. 177

      S.D. 1

      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 Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred S.B. No. 177, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AQUACULTURE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to:

     (1)  Authorize the Division of Animal Industry of the Department of Agriculture to adopt, amend, and repeal rules to develop an assessment and approval process to import and move aquatic livestock in the State; and

     (2)  Require and appropriate funds for the Division of Animal Industry to develop that process through a biological aquatic risk-based framework.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture; Agribusiness Development Corporation; Office of the Mayor of the County of Maui; Department of Research and Development of the County of Hawaiʻi; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Hawaii Aquaculture & Aquaponics Association; and one individual.

     Your Committee finds that the State's aquaculture industry has a farm gate value of $89,600,000 -- the second-highest contribution to the economy in diversified agriculture.  Your Committee further finds that Hawaii is home to some of the most unique and biodiverse marine ecosystems in the world; however, these ecosystems are highly sensitive to external influences, including the introduction of non-native aquatic species.  Disease can devastate aquaculture industries and a risk-based framework and biocontainment standards are important protections for aquaculture operations and aquatic ecosystems.  This measure therefore provides authority for the development of a comprehensive assessment and approval process to help prevent disease from entering aquaculture operations in the State and protect native aquatic species.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 177, S.D. 1, 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 Consumer Protection & Commerce,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1221

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   S.B. No. 177

      S.D. 1

      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 S.B. No. 177, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AQUACULTURE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to:

     (1)  Authorize the Division of Animal Industry of the Department of Agriculture to adopt, amend, and repeal rules to develop an assessment and approval process to import and move aquatic livestock in the State; and

     (2)  Require and appropriate funds for the Division of Animal Industry to develop a biological aquatic risk-based framework and biocontainment standards for the aquatic livestock assessment and approval process.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture; Agribusiness Development Corporation; Department of Research and Development of the County of Hawaiʻi; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy; Taylor Shellfish Company; and one individual.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from Animal Rights Hawaiʻi.  

     Your Committee finds that Hawaii's aquaculture industry is a vital component of the State's diversified agricultural economy, contributing to local food production and economic sustainability.  However, Hawaii's unique and biodiverse marine ecosystems are highly vulnerable to external threats, including the introduction of non-native aquatic species that may disrupt native habitats and local fisheries.  This measure strengthens environmental protections by authorizing the development of a comprehensive assessment and approval process for aquaculture operations, ensuring sustainability, biosecurity, and responsible growth in the industry while safeguarding Hawaii's natural resources.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

     (2)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

     Your Committee respectfully requests your Committee on Finance, should it deliberate on this measure, to consider an appropriation amount of $1,000,000 for the Animal Industry Division to develop the biological aquatic risk-based framework.

     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 S.B. No. 177, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 177, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems,

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 937

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 177

       S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 177, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AQUACULTURE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to clarify aquaculture industry requirements in the State.

     More specifically, this measure:

     (1)  Authorizes the Division of Animal Industry of the Department of Agriculture to adopt, amend, and repeal rules to develop an assessment and approval process to import and move aquatic livestock in the State; and

     (2)  Requires the Aquaculture Program to develop a biological aquatic risk-based framework and biocontainment standards for the aquatic livestock assessment and approval process.

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness Development Corporation, County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development, Hawaii Aquaculture and Aquaponics Association, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Kohala Mountain Fish Company, Kowa Premium Foods Hawaii Corporation, Marine Science Learning Center at Waianae High School, and one individual.

     Your Committee received written comments in opposition to this measure from Animal Rights Hawaii.

     Your Committee finds that implementing the robust assessment processes in this measure will promote responsible and sustainable growth of Hawaii's aquaculture industry, which has a significant potential for expansion.  Your Committee further finds that a risk-based framework will help evaluate potential risks associated with the movement of aquatic species and better balance industry growth while minimizing negative impacts to native species and ecosystems.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 177, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 49

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 177

       S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred S.B. No. 177 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AQUACULTURE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to require the Animal Industry Division of the Department of Agriculture to develop and administer an assessment and approval process to import and move aquatic livestock in the State.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness Development Corporation, County of Hawaiʻi Department of Research and Development, Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau, Hawaii Aquaculture and Aquaponics Association, Shrimp Improvement Systems Hawaii LLC, and Kowa Premium Foods Hawaii Corporation.

     Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from Animal Rights Hawaiʻi.

     Your Committee received comments on this measure from Restore the Commons.

     Your Committee finds that Hawaii's aquaculture industry is a leader in the United States and that additional protections are necessary for the responsible and sustainable growth of this industry.  Because disease can devastate aquaculture industries, the biological aquatic risk-based framework developed by this measure will minimize the potential negative impact to native species and ecosystems associated with the movement of aquatic livestock while balancing industry growth.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Inserting a blank appropriation amount;

     (2)  Inserting an effective date of July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion; and

     (3)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

     Your Committee notes that this measure, as amended, contains an unspecified appropriation amount.  Should your Committee on Ways and Means choose to deliberate on this measure, your Committee respectfully requests that it consider inserting an appropriation amount of $1,000,000 for the Animal Industry Division of the Department of Agriculture to develop the biological aquatic risk-based framework.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture and Environment that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 177, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 177, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture and Environment,