Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2004

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Energy and Environment, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 49, H.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the Legislative Reference Bureau to conduct a policy review to examine the Precautionary Principle policy framework as a guiding principle in conducting the State's affairs.

The Department of Health and the Pineapple Growers Association of Hawaii submitted testimony in support of this measure. Testimony in opposition to this measure was submitted by the Hawaii Agriculture Research Center, Hawaii Crop Improvement Association, Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation, Maui County Farm Bureau, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., and Hawaiian Alliance for Responsible Technology & Science. The Legislative Reference Bureau and Enterprise Honolulu submitted comments on this measure.

Your Committee finds that an overall, integrated approach to environmental responsibility is required for governmental policy and functions. The Precautionary Principle is a policy framework widely used in western and northern European countries for developing laws that protect our health and environment. The Precautionary Principle should be considered in executing the policies and affairs of the State.

Your Committee has amended this measure by narrowing the scope of the Legislative Reference Bureau's study to a review of the San Francisco Precautionary Principle Ordinance. San Francisco is the first city in the nation to adopt the Principle and it should prove beneficial to begin with a review of San Francisco's approach and the components involved in its Ordinance.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy and Environment that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 49, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends its adoption in the form attached hereto as H.C.R. No. 49, H.D. 1, S.D. 1.