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 Economic Development, to which was referred S.R. No. 42 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to urge the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Department of Agriculture to consider and incorporate the importance of economic factors and impacts in the application of laws and adoption of rules and policies concerning the conservation of forestry and agricultural resources.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture, and Hawaii Farm Bureau.

Your Committees find that many well-intentioned laws, rules, and policies are enacted or adopted which focus on the need for environmental preservation and conservation without recognizing the ability of proper resource management to provide the necessary stewardship by affected parties if suitable economic incentives are available. With all government agencies incurring budget constraints, the State should not ignore or overlook the willingness of private parties and industries to provide the stewardship if appropriate economic incentives are considered.

Your Committees further find that the State could benefit from cooperative and collaborative relationships with the private sector by creating a situation that will promote economic growth, provide additional sources of income for the State, and strengthen the regulation of the State's precious forestry, agricultural, and other natural resources.

Your Committees believe that consideration of economic as well as environmental factors and impacts in the application of laws and adoption of rules and policies concerning forestry and agricultural resources is critical for maintaining a balance in conserving those resources.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Water, Land, and Agriculture and Economic Development that are attached to this report, your Committees concur with the intent and purpose of S.R. No. 42 and recommend its adoption.