Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Economic Development and Technology, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 150 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request that the Governor appoint a biotechnology council to assess the status of the biotechnology industry and develop strategies to facilitate development of the industry in the State.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources of the University of Hawaii, High Technology Development Corporation, and Pacific Health Community, Inc.

Your Committee finds that biotechnology will be the dominant science of this new century. By one estimate, it has the potential to add $7.3 billion annually to Hawaii's economy by the year 2020. The growing biotechnology industry and its sectors – agriculture, marine sciences, human therapeutics, and the environment – are important sources of quality jobs and long-term economic growth in Hawaii. With its cluster of university research institutes, non-profit science centers, federal research funding, ideal climate, and a growing number of biotechnology firms, the growth potential for the local industry is substantial. Therefore, a biotechnology council is necessary to develop the biotechnology industry to its fullest and most profitable potential here in Hawaii.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Economic Development and Technology that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 150, and recommends its adoption.