Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2004

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Water, Land, and Agriculture and Tourism, to which was referred H.B. No. 2859, H.D. 2, entitled:

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to require the Hawaii Tourism Authority to convene a working group to study the feasibility of developing an international equestrian facility.

Testimony in support of the measure was submitted by Hawaii Quarter Horse Association, Dillingham Ranch, Advocates for Consumer Rights, Hawaii State Dressage Society, Hawaii Coalition Against Legalized Gambling, and nine individuals. Testimony in opposition was submitted by Hawaii Tourism Authority and the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.

Your Committees find that the equine industry can be a source of tremendous revenue. Hawaii's climate has made it an attractive site for famous trainers to conduct clinics on equestrian sport. This measure will encourage the development of an activity that can enhance the economic health of Hawaii by exploring the practical and financial feasibility of building an international equestrian facility.

Upon further consideration, your Committees have amended this bill by substituting the Governor in place of the Hawaii Tourism Authority and changing its effective date to January 1, 2005.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Water, Land, and Agriculture and Tourism that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2859, H.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2859, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.