STAND. COM. REP. NO. 104

                                   Honolulu, Hawaii
                                                     , 1999

                                   RE:  S.B. No. 1614
                                        




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. 1614 entitled: 

     "A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE,"

begs leave to report as follows:
     
     The purpose of this measure is to allow the importation into
the State of approved microorganisms without a permit, and of
restricted microorganisms with a permit, and to change the
requirements for the publication of interim rules to publication
in a newspaper of general circulation within seven days of
issuance.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure
from the Department of Agriculture, the University of Hawai`i,
the University's College of Tropical Agriculture and Human
Resources, and the Hawaii Agriculture Research Center.  One
individual submitted testimony in opposition.

     Your Committee finds that current laws governing the
importation of animals, plants, and microorganisms are no longer
adequate for support of Hawaii's research, education, and
business interests.  The highly competitive and rapidly evolving
scientific and commercial fields require more effective
procedures for expediting the importation of organisms necessary
to remain competitive with the U.S. mainland and foreign
countries.


 
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     Your Committee further finds that biotechnology and related
industries represent significant economic opportunities for
Hawaii, and new developments in these areas are critical to the
success of the State's efforts in supporting diversified
agriculture.

     Your Committee believes this measure strikes a balance
between the research needs of the academic and business
communities, while continuing to provide adequate protection of
Hawaii's environment and the health and safety of its citizens.

     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. 1614 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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