Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Economic Development and Business Concerns and Water and Land Use, to which was referred H.R. No. 108 entitled:

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this resolution is to support the development of a biotechnology industry in Hawaii by requesting the Governor to appoint a biotechnology council. The biotechnology council will assess the status of the biotechnology industry and develop strategies and coordinate initiatives to facilitate the growth and development of biotechnology industries in Hawaii.

The High Technology Development Corporation and Hawaiian Alliance for Responsible Technology and Science supported this measure. The University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources supported the intent of this measure.

Your Committees note that the biotechnology industry helps to diversify Hawaii's tourism-centered economy and provides a source of high-paying jobs for Hawaii's people. Although there are many firms that are already engaged in various sectors of the biotechnology industry, the establishment of a biotechnology council will help provide the coordination and synergy needed to move the entire industry forward in an economically meaningful way. Your Committees support future legislative efforts to provide funding to carry out the requirements of this measure.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Economic Development and Business Concerns and Water and Land Use that are attached to this report, your Committees concur with the intent and purpose of H.R. No. 108 and recommend that it be referred to the Committee on Finance.