STAND. COM. REP. NO. 235

                                   Honolulu, Hawaii
                                                     , 1999

                                   RE:  S.B. No. 1613
                                        




Honorable Norman Mizuguchi
President of the Senate
Twentieth State Legislature
Regular Session of 1999
State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Economic Development, to which was
referred S.B. No. 1613 entitled: 

     "A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HUNTING AND TOURISM,"

begs leave to report as follows:
     
     The purpose of this measure is to authorize limited use
hunting permits for foreign hunters who do not meet the criteria
for a regular hunting license, to hunt on private land with a
Hawaii-licensed guide.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure
from Hawaii Hunting Tours, Pig Hunters of Hawaii, and four
individuals.  The Department of Land and Natural Resources
testified in opposition.  The Hawaii Hunting Advisory Council,
the Hawaii Hunting Association, and the Hawaii Rifle Association
submitted comments.

     Your Committee finds that Hawaii has an economic opportunity
in allowing controlled hunting on private lands by foreign
nationals.  There is considerable interest by both Asians and
Europeans who would like to hunt in Hawaii, as well as by private
landowners.

     Your Committee has heard discussions regarding safety issues
that may arise as a result of this measure, and acknowledges
those concerns.  However, your Committee notes that the measure
would allow hunting only with guides who have successfully

 
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                                   STAND. COM. REP. NO. 235
                                   Page 2


completed a course or program in hunter education and safety and
possess a valid Hawaii hunting license.

     Your Committee believes this measure is worthy of further
discussion by both the Legislature, the hunting community, and
the public in general.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your
Committee on Economic Development that is attached to this
report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose
of S.B. No. 1613 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and
be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

                                   Respectfully submitted on
                                   behalf of the members of the
                                   Committee on Economic
                                   Development,



                                   ______________________________
                                   LORRAINE R. INOUYE, Chair

 
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