Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 168, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to assist Hawaii's agricultural industry in remaining competitive in the global marketplace.

Specifically, this measure provides funding for the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation to conduct agricultural research and market development.

Your Committee finds that agriculture is important to this State. Agricultural research is essential to helping Hawaii's agricultural industry to be competitive on a worldwide basis. This measure will support the agricultural industry, help to diversify the State's economic base beyond tourism, and enable the industry to provide a sustainable, stable food supply for Hawaii.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 168, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.