Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2004

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 245 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the Department of Health to report to the Legislature on the feasibility of large "big box" retailers and wholesalers to backhaul packaging, crating, insulation, pallets, and other accommodating materials used for shipping.

The Hawaii Food Industry Association testified in support of the intent of this measure. The Hawaii State Department of Health recommended the Hawaii Food Industry Association to be invited to conduct a study on this issue.

Your committee amends this measure by:

(1) Requesting the Hawaii Food Industry Association and the Hawaii Retailers Association to report on the status of backhauling packaging, crating, insulation, pallets, and other accommodating materials used for shipping.

(2) Deleting the request for the Department of Health report on the status of large "big box" retailers and wholesalers to backhaul packaging, crating, insulation, pallets, and other accommodating materials used for shipping.

(3) Deleting requirement to report on status of "consulting with shipping and container companies to gauge the costs of such an effort."

(4) Requesting the Hawaii Food Industry Association and Hawaii Retailers Association to determine if backhaul efforts can be expanded.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 245, as amended herein, and recommends its adoption in the form attached hereto as H.C.R. No. 245, H.D. 1.