Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Business and Economic Development and Energy, Environment, and International Affairs and Media, Arts, Science, and Technology, to which was referred S.B. No. 1374 entitled:

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to direct the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to convene a working group to develop a strategic plan that ensures Hawaii will actively participate in, and benefit from, the emergence of the People's Republic of China as an economic and global leader.

Your Committees received testimony in support of the measure from DFS Hawaii, the East-West Center, and one individual. Your Committees received comments from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.

Your Committees recognize the economic opportunities available for Hawaii as the People's Republic of China continues to implement its "Go West Campaign." Hawaii's geographic location, and the experience, knowledge, skills, and cultural sensitivities of our multi-cultural and multi-ethnic population provide the State with a unique opportunity to take advantage of the explosive economic development in the Pacific-Asian countries, most particularly China. Ensuring Hawaii's participation in the economic development in the People's Republic of China requires a comprehensive strategic plan.

Your Committees have amended this measure by:

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Business and Economic Development and Energy, Environment, and International Affairs and Media, Arts, Science, and Technology that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1374, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 1374, S.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.