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. 2673 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds to the Department of Agriculture to conduct a program to achieve a fifty per cent reduction in the total amount of imported food purchased by Hawaii residents that could be purchased from locally produced sources.

Your Committee finds that Hawaii is overly dependent on imported foods, which can put Hawaii in a precarious position in the event of a situation –- natural disaster, dock strike, or terrorist act –- that impedes the normal flow of commerce. Decreasing dependence on imports will make such an event less problematic. Another benefit is encouraging the growth of Hawaii's promising diversified agriculture, which will help keep Hawaii-earned dollars in Hawaii, thus improving the local economy.

Your Committee understands that the parties affected by this bill need to clarify what is meant by a fifty per cent reduction and is recommending passage to continue discussions.

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. 2673 and recommends that it pass Third Reading.