Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2411, S.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds to market Hawaii's products and services.

Your Committee finds that the economic repercussions following the tragic events of September 11 still linger in our community today. The slowdown in tourism has had a trickle down economic effect in the State, causing higher unemployment rates and decreased consumer spending.

This bill addresses the State's economic situation by providing funds to enhance marketing efforts to increase sales of products and services originating or produced in the State to ultimately boost employment and the local economy.

Your Committee has amended the bill by changing the appropriation to an unspecified amount in order to promote further discussion on this matter.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2411, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2411, S.D. 2.