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.B. No. 1593, S.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to expand and enhance the use of rural districts through a one-time reclassification of lands that were classified agriculture prior to June 4, 1976, based upon studies and recommendations from each county.

The measure further makes an appropriation to each county for this purpose.

Your Committee finds that this measure will redefine the rural district and create new rural use criteria and development standards for rural communities through citizen advisory groups in the various counties. Based upon the development of these new criteria and standards, the counties may identify areas that are suitable for rural use and so advise the Land Use Commission. Your Committee further finds that the one-time reclassification of lands classified agriculture prior to June 4, 1976, will bring conformity to both the rural and agriculture districts.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

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 S.B. No. 1593, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 1593, S.D. 2.