Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture, to which was referred H.R. No. 82 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this resolution is to urge the U.S. Congress and 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.

Testimony in support of this resolution was received from the Rural Economic Transition Assistance-Hawaii Program, the Hawaii Gold Cacao Tree Inc., the Hakalau Farm Nursery, the Hawaii Agricultural Products, and the Hawaii Agriculture Research Center. The Department of Agriculture submitted comments in support of this measure.

Your Committee finds that there is a wide interest in expanding the commercial growing of cacao beans in Hawaii. Since most cacao beans are grown in third world countries, it is important that Hawaii's cacao bean industry be allowed access to technology and germplasm to produce world-class chocolates. Hawaii's unique tropical climate makes it possible for different varieties of cacao beans to grow all year long, and the State's isolation from other cacao growing areas makes it an ideal location for the establishment of a cacao germplasm center.

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.R. No. 82 and recommends its adoption.