STAND. COM. REP. NO.  376

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2007

RE:   H.B. No. 1616

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2007

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Agriculture, to which was referred H.B. No. 1616 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AQUACULTURE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this bill is to position Hawaii as a continuing leader in commercial aquaculture by appropriating funds to develop the concept of, and conduct a feasibility study for, the establishment of a primary quarantine and laboratory facility for aquatic species used in Hawaii's aquaculture industry.

     Molokai Sea Farms, Rain Garden Ornamentals, Hawaii Aquaculture Association, and a concerned individual supported this bill.  The Department of Agriculture and several concerned individuals supported the intent of this measure.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1616 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture,

____________________________

CLIFT TSUJI, Chair