Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 87 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to urge Congress and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to establish and fund a U.S. Department of Agriculture – Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center-managed cacao germplasm center in Hawaii.

Your Committee received written testimony in support of this measure from Hawaii Gold Cacao Tree, Inc., Hakalau Farm and Nursery, Hawaii Agricultural Products, Pennsylvania State University, Yorkville Management Services, Inc., and one individual.

Your Committee finds that diversified agriculture, such as cacao farming, has a promising future in Hawaii. Cacao farming and chocolate production in Hawaii has already proven to be a viable and successful agricultural endeavor due to Hawaii's unique geographic location, climate, and environment. The establishment of a cacao germplasm center in Hawaii would position the State as a world leader in cacao quality, productivity, and research and strengthen Hawaii's agriculture industry.

Your Committee has amended this measure by clarifying in the WHEREAS clauses that:

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 87, as amended herein, and recommends its adoption in the form attached hereto as H.C.R. No. 87, S.D. 1.