Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 94, H.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish a task force on agricultural industry development.

Testimony supporting this measure was received from the Department of Agriculture, University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation, and Land Use Research Foundation of Hawaii.

Your Committee finds that agriculture is a coveted Hawaii tradition. In fact, preservation and expansion of Hawaii's agriculture industry is mandated by the Constitution of the State of Hawaii. During this time of explosive growth in various industries, including finance, technology, telecommunications, health, and others, the State must take the time to ensure its responsibilities to the agriculture industry are met. The task force established by this measure brings the stakeholders together to discuss the relevant and important issues facing Hawaii's agriculture industry and to develop a framework for its success in the future.

Your Committee has amended this measure by adding that the long-term viability of agriculture depends also on factors that affect agricultural research and outreach. In addition, your Committee made technical, nonsubstantive changes for purposes of clarity.

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 H.C.R. No. 94, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, in the form attached hereto as H.C.R. No. 94, H.D. 1, S.D. 1.