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.C.R. No. 124, S.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the Board of Directors of the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority to develop recommendations to modify the make-up of its Board to include more private sector participation.

Your Committee received testimony in favor of this measure from the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority (NELHA).

Your Committee finds that NELHA provides a valuable service by facilitating research, development, and commercialization of Hawaii's natural energy resources including ocean-related resources. To financially support its efforts, NELHA engages in retail, tourism, and other commercial activities with the private sector. Your Committee believes that this measure will assist NELHA in effectively fulfilling its mission, by encouraging additional involvement with the private sector.

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 S.C.R. No. 124, S.D. 1, and recommends its adoption.