Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Economic Development and Business Concerns, to which was referred H.B. No. 431 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to support the growing "new economy" by appropriating funds for the Hawaii Manufacturing Extension Program (Program), provided that funds are matched by federal funds.

Oils of Aloha, Hawaii Technology Trade Association, Hawaii Manufacturing Extension Partnership, Oahu Economic Development Board, and a concerned individual submitted testimony in support of this bill. The Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism supported the intent of the bill.

Your Committee finds that this Program has already made a significant impact on our economy by providing small and medium sized manufacturers with technical, marketing, and productivity support.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Economic Development and Business Concerns that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 431 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Finance.