STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1636

                                 Honolulu, Hawaii
                                                   , 1999

                                 RE: H.R. No. 109
                                     




Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say
Speaker, House of Representatives
Twentieth State Legislature
Regular Session of 1999
State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committees on Agriculture and Energy and Environmental
Protection, to which was referred H.R. No. 109 entitled: 

     "HOUSE RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF
     AGRICULTURE, NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE TO
     RECOMMEND THE USE OF HEMP FIBER SOIL EROSION CONTROL
     BLANKETS WHENEVER FEASIBLE,"

beg leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this resolution is to request the United
States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation
Service to recommend the use of hemp fiber soil erosion control
blankets whenever feasible.

     Your Committee finds that industrial hemp fiber is an
excellent material for soil erosion control, soil stabilization
and mulching applications.  The hemp fiber is a degradable
textile that can halt soil erosion caused by wind and rain and is
a suitable environment for revegetation, by retaining moisture
and providing a protected environment for seed germination and
plant growth. This natural revegetation will develop fertile
grasslands and contribute to good soil as the matting slowly
degrades.

     JB Plant Fibres submitted testimony in support of this
resolution.  The Honolulu Police Department opposed this measure.

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your
Committees on Agriculture and Energy and Environmental Protection

 
 
                                 STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1636
                                 Page 2

 
that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord
with the intent and purpose of H.R. No. 109 and recommend that it
be referred to the Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs.

                                   Respectfully submitted on
                                   behalf of the members of the
                                   Committees on Agriculture and
                                   Energy and Environmental
                                   Protection,

                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
______________________________     ______________________________
HERMINA M. MORITA, Chair           FELIPE P. ABINSAY, JR., Chair