Jason Ross Azus-Richardson

The Board discussed several lease-related items, including the assignment and amendment of various agricultural park leases, the incorporation of invasive species control provisions, and the cancellation of a lease in Waimānalo due to inactivity. Additionally, a petition regarding the movement of treated gravel to the island of Molokaʻi was reviewed and ultimately deferred for further consideration. An update was provided on the department's progress in filling various staff vacancies and advancing its invasive species action plan.

The board discussed the assignment of a general lease, involving a change in the character of use to diversified agriculture and aquaculture. Additionally, a right of entry was approved to facilitate property cleaning and the removal of personal items from a former lease site. The board also authorized the activation of an emergency loan program to provide relief for farms impacted by recent storm systems, establishing specific loan parameters including maximum amounts, interest rates, and application deadlines.

The committee reviewed a petition regarding the initiation of administrative rule-making to implement an interim rule for the inter-island movement of items such as plant material, soil, gravel, and coconut rhinoceros beetle host materials to Molokai. The discussion focused on the necessity of these regulations to prevent the spread of the beetle, potential technical amendments to the proposed rule, verification of treatment procedures for regulated goods, and consideration of unintended consequences regarding material movement for disaster recovery efforts.

The meeting involved a discussion clarifying that a letter of support would not be issued at this time, superseding a previous minute entry. Old Business included no updates on the status of 2023 Proposed Irrigation Water Rate Changes and determined that a letter to the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity concerning funding for the Molokai Irrigation System was not needed currently. New Business items were absent. Reports covered system updates, noting that the 10% mandatory water restriction was lifted on February 23, 2026. Capital Projects Update indicated the Pump Replacement Project design is complete and is going to bid. The Financial Update showed that both MIS revenue/expenses and total state revenue/expenses are currently in the black, despite nine delinquencies totaling $22,894. Updates were also provided on board member interviews for anticipated appointments.

The meeting involved reviewing several key requests. The first request concerned the preliminary review, placement on the List of Restricted Animals, and permit conditions for the wasp Aprostocetus nitens for biocontrol of Quadrastichus erythrinae; this item passed with a 6/0 recommendation for approval. The second request involved allowing the importation and establishing permit conditions for Peacock Bass (Cichla ocellaris) for public fishery restocking. Significant discussion occurred regarding proposed permit conditions, especially concerning molecular testing requirements for disease screening, and public testimony expressed concerns about the potential for invasive spread. The committee voted 4/2/1 to recommend approval with modifications relating to progeny reporting and pre-/post-entry testing evaluation. The third request involved proposed changes to Hawaii Administrative Rules, Chapter 4-72, concerning quarantine restrictions on the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB) and fees. The applicant requested a withdrawal of this specific draft, intending to move forward with the version adopted in February 2023. Testimony strongly supported moving forward with the February version, emphasizing the need for robust rules to manage pests like CRB and Little Fire Ants (LFA). The committee voted 7/0 to adjourn.