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 S.C.R. No. 40, S.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to conduct a carrying capacity study to determine the maximum capacity for tourists in areas throughout the State.

Your Committee understands that, as our resident and visitor populations grow, planning is necessary to prevent our communities and visitor industry from reaching a point of diminishing returns due to inadequate carrying capacity. The requested study will provide the capacity information, projections, and analysis needed for policy and decision making, addressing issues such as visitor and resident populations, visitor lodging and accommodations, and infrastructure capabilities and requirements.

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 concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 40, S.D. 1, and recommends its adoption.