Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 2744, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds for a study to assess the feasibility of establishing a world-class farmers' market in Hawaii.

Specifically, the bill appropriates $200,000 to be expended by the Department of Agriculture for a study that includes the Department's findings and recommendations on the economic feasibility of establishing a farmers' market as a vehicle to market and to promote Hawaii's agricultural products.

Your Committee finds that farmers' markets on the mainland benefit not only local residents but also visitors. Agritourism is an important niche to the tourism market. Farmers' markets strengthen the local agricultural industry, and spur economic opportunity and growth.

Your Committee has amended this measure by replacing the amount appropriated with a blank amount to facilitate continued discussion.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2744, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2744, H.D. 1, S.D. 2.