STAND. COM. REP. 3185
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2004
RE: H.B. No. 2009
H.D. 1
S.D. 1
Honorable Robert Bunda
President of the Senate
Twenty-Second State Legislature
Regular Session of 2004
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 2009, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND MARKET DEVELOPMENT,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds to the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation for agricultural research and market development studies.
Your Committee finds that research and market development are critical for the continued growth of Hawaii's agricultural industry. The Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation has frequently partnered with the Hawaii Agriculture Research Center and the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources to provide important research that benefits the entire agricultural community.
Agricultural research is the foundation for Hawaii's agricultural industry and is the basis for Hawaii's competitive edge in the global market. Continued state support is needed in this area to ensure the viability of one of Hawaii's fastest growing industries.
Market development is a key component in expanding the opportunities for Hawaii's agribusiness. Given Hawaii's small size and isolated location, considerable effort and funds are needed to develop new markets, expand existing markets, and support new and existing crops.
Your Committee has amended the bill by:
(1) Providing an appropriation directly to the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources for research and instructional programs to further its mission and actively help Hawaii diversify its economy and ensure a sustainable environment; provided that the funding be added to the base budget of the University of Hawaii;
(2) Expanding the scope of the research conducted by the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources to include:
(A) Research on obesity prevention in Hawaii which can improve the health and well-being of Hawaii's residents; and
(B) The continuing exploration of biological methods for cleaning contaminated waters and sediments ("bioremediation") by utilizing the uptake processes of native plant species, natural microbial processes, and other natural remediation processes;
(3) Requiring the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources to report its findings on the bioremediation program to the Legislature twenty days prior to the regular sessions of 2005 and 2006, respectively; and
(4) Making technical changes for purposes of style and clarity.
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 H.B. No. 2009, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2009, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and be placed on the calendar for Third Reading.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,
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____________________________ BRIAN T. TANIGUCHI, Chair |
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