Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Economic Development and Technology and Tourism and Intergovernmental Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 3014 entitled:

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to require the stadium authority to review and compare the current artificial turf with more technologically advanced turf products.

Testimony in support of this measure was submitted by the University of Hawaii. Oral testimony in support of this measure was given by the Stadium Authority and the Department of Accounting and General Services. Testimony in opposition to this measure was submitted by the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

Your Committees find that some forms of artificial turf have been the cause of sports injuries. Your Committees further find that the NFL Pro Bowl contract includes a provision that requires the Hawaii Tourism Authority to use best efforts to provide a natural turf playing surface. While some efforts have been made to ban the use of artificial turf, advances in technology have improved the safety features of synthetic surfaces. Therefore, this measure requiring review of the current artificial turf at Aloha Stadium would greatly enhance the safety of all athletes playing at our stadium.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Economic Development and Technology and Tourism and Intergovernmental Affairs that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 3014 and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.