Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Energy and Environmental Protection and Water and Land Use, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 95 entitled:

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this concurrent resolution is to extend legislative support for the goals of the Hawaii Watchable Wildlife Program, and to encourage collaboration among all government agencies, as well as non-profit organizations, and the private sector in promoting responsible wildlife viewing and nature-based tourism that benefit the people of Hawaii.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Hawaii Watchable Wildlife Program testified in support of this measure.

The Watchable Wildlife Program was started in 1989 and has created guidebooks and other resources for the public that identify the best places to watch wildlife in the State. These guidebooks serve as an important resource for the large number of tourists attracted to Hawaii's biological diversity and natural splendor. This resource also allows residents to experience Hawaii's unique environment.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Energy and Environmental Protection and Water and Land Use that are attached to this report, your Committees concur with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 95 and recommend its adoption.