Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2003

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Economic Development and Health, to which was referred S.B. No. 725 entitled:

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to appropriate general funds for an economic development plan to establish the Kahuku area of Oahu as a world class health and wellness center, in cooperation with the Turtle Bay Resort and the Kahuku Hospital.

The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), and two individuals testified in support of this measure.

Your Committees find that the establishment of a health and wellness center in Kahuku could act as a catalyst for the development of a health and wellness industry in the area, bringing new businesses into the region and increasing employment opportunities for residents. DBEDT identified community-based economic development grants as potential sources of funding for nonprofit community groups to avail themselves of; and noted that DBEDT had previously discussed health options with Kahuku Hospital.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Economic Development and Health that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 725 and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.