Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 110 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, to work with the University of Hawaii, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Agricultural Research Center, and Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation to develop and implement a plan for the eradication of pest fruit flies from the State of Hawaii.

Testimony supporting this measure was received from the Department of Agriculture and Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation.

Your Committee finds that agricultural pests cause both environmental and economic damage. Fruit flies, in particular, taint Hawaii's produce and are hindering the growth of Hawaii's agricultural industry and its expansion into national and international markets. This measure properly urges the relevant authorities and stakeholders to collaborate in the development and implementation of methods to eradicate pest fruit flies in Hawaii.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 110 and recommends its adoption.