Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred H.B. No. 57, H.D. 2, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to extend the repeal date of the industrial hemp research law from June 30, 2002, to June 30, 2005.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii Industrial Hemp Research Project, Life of the Land, Resource Conservation Alliance, Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps, and ten individuals. Testimony in opposition was submitted by the Honolulu Police Department and an individual.

Act 305, Session Laws of Hawaii 1999, allowed privately-funded industrial hemp research to be conducted in Hawaii under specified requirements, and enacted an affirmative defense to criminal prosecution under marijuana laws for conducting the research.

Testimony in support of the measure indicated that the research needs more time to continue in order to assess the commercial viability of hemp cultivation. Testimony further indicated that hemp has potential to yield substantial economic benefits to the State.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 57, H.D. 2, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be placed on the calendar for Third Reading.