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 S.B. No. 489 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to make an appropriation for taro research.

Your Committee received testimony in favor of this measure from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, Kauai County Farm Bureau, and Kauai Taro Growers.

Your Committee finds that Hawaii's taro industry has suffered yield declines in recent years. These declines have been attributed to diseases and pests that continue to spread throughout the State. Your Committee finds that funds are necessary for immediate taro research to ensure the stability and growth of Hawaii's taro industry.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B.

No. 489 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.