Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2004

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred S.B. No. 643, S.D. 2, H.D. 2, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to acknowledge that the State has a trust obligation to ensure the preservation, sustainable use, and equitable sharing of benefits of Hawaii's biological resources by:

The University of Hawaii, Hawaii Agriculture Research Center, Pineapple Growers Association of Hawaii, and Hawaii Audubon Society testified in support of this measure. DBEDT supported the intent of this bill, provided that its passage does not adversely impact priorities contained in the Executive Supplemental Budget. The High Technology Development Corporation and Sierra Club, Hawaii Chapter, also supported the intent of this bill. The Department of Agriculture offered comments. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation, Waikiki Hawaiian Civic Club, and an individual opposed this measure.

Your Committee has amended this bill by:

Your Committee is aware that this issue has been one of major concern for both proponents and opponents and that a careful balance must be struck between furthering the development of scientific research and the protection of Hawaii's natural resources, practices, and values. In passing this measure, your Committee has amended the effective date to ensure further discussion. It is hoped that continuing negotiations will result in a fruitful resolution during the conference period.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 643, S.D. 2, H.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 643, S.D. 2, H.D. 3.