STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3184

                                   Honolulu, Hawaii
                                                     , 2000

                                   RE:  S.R. No. 68
                                        




Honorable Norman Mizuguchi
President of the Senate
Twentieth State Legislature
Regular Session of 2000
State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committees on Education and Technology and
Transportation and Intergovernmental Affairs, to which was
referred S.R. No. 68 entitled:

     "SENATE RESOLUTION ENCOURAGING THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII'S
     HAWAII UNDERSEA RESEARCH LABORATORY TO ENTER INTO A
     PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WITH THE UNITED STATES NAVY TO OPERATE
     AN ADVANCED TETHERED VEHICLE,"

beg leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to encourage the Hawaii
Undersea Research Laboratory (HURL) of the University of Hawaii
to form a partnership with the United States Navy to operate an
advanced tethered vehicle (ATV).

     Testimony in support of the measure was received from the
University of Hawaii and one individual.

     Your Committees find that the HURL excels in deep
submergence operations.  As one of five centers in the world with
deep submergence capability, it has made notable scientific
discoveries.  In order to explore the mysteries of the underwater
environment, which can lead to development of new scientific
advancements, the HURL must seize scientific opportunities and
acquire resources that will enable it to continue making
scientific discoveries from its strategic location in the Pacific
Basin.


 
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     Your Committees agree that acquisition of an ATV, such as
the surplus one owned by the U.S. Navy, is a nationally prudent
and efficient move that will greatly expand the HURL's capability
for undersea research at greater depths and in shallower waters
where long, continuous bottom time is required.

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your
Committees on Education and Technology and Transportation and
Intergovernmental Affairs that are attached to this report, your
Committees concur with the intent and purpose of S.R. No. 68, and
recommend that it be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

                                   Respectfully submitted on
                                   behalf of the members of the
                                   Committees on Education and
                                   Technology and Transportation
                                   and Intergovernmental Affairs,



____________________________       ______________________________
CAL KAWAMOTO, Chair                DAVID Y. IGE, Chair

 
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