Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Water, Land, Energy and Environment and Tourism and Intergovernmental Affairs, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 95 entitled:

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to extend legislative support for the goals of the Hawai`i Watchable Wildlife Program and 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.

Testimony in support of this measure was received from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Watchable Wildlife Incorporated, Hawai`i Watchable Wildlife Program, Annette's Adventures, Aqua Lung Pacific, and Paradise Cruise, Ltd.

Your Committees have heard that the Watchable Wildlife Program was started by Defenders of Wildlife, a non-profit group, in 1989, and has received substantial funding at a national level to create guidebooks for the public that identify the best places to watch wildlife in a state. Hawaii has incredible biological diversity and natural splendor that attracts large numbers of visitors to the islands each year, thereby enhancing the State's economy.

Your Committees find that involvement in the Watchable Wildlife Program will improve opportunities for everyone – residents and visitors – to experience Hawaii's unique environment and will increase the number of wildlife-oriented tourists. Over half of all states are now participants in this program and this resolution as the first step in getting Hawaii involved in the program.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Water, Land, Energy and Environment and Tourism and Intergovernmental Affairs that are attached to this report, your Committees concur with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 95 and recommends its adoption.