Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 1688, H.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to support agricultural research and diversity in the state by appropriating funds for the University of Hawaii (UH) College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) to develop and promote high-value agricultural products, breeding programs, organic agriculture programs, and related activities.

The Board of Advisors of CTAHR, Hawaii Agriculture Research Center, Big Island Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation, Hawaii Crop Improvement Association, Pineapple Growers Association of Hawaii, Aloun Farms, Big Island Candies, Inc., Hawaii Commercial & Sugar Company, and several concerned individuals testified in support of this bill. A member of the Hawaii County Council, the Board of Directors of Hawaii Organic Farmers Association, and numerous concerned individuals supported this measure in part. Two concerned individuals supported this bill with amendments. The Department of Agriculture and UH supported the intent of this measure.

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 H.B. No. 1688, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.