Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture, to which was referred S.B. No. 2345, S.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to preserve, protect, and increase the yield of taro cultivation by appropriating an unspecified amount for research on diseases and other problems affecting taro cultivation throughout the State.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and a concerned individual supported this measure. The University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources supported the intent of this bill.

The yield and quality of taro has dramatically declined due to diseases and pests. Your Committee finds that the problems threatening this culturally significant and important food source plant in the Hawaiian community must be addressed and resolved.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2345, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Finance.