STAND. COM. REP. NO.  997

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2007

RE:   H.B. No. 249

      H.D. 1

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2007

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 249 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HUNTING TOURISM,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this bill is to encourage the development of hunting tourism, particularly at private and commercial shooting preserves, by:

(1)  Allowing three-day hunting licenses to hunt on a private or commercial shooting preserve for a reduced fee of $50; and

(2)  Exempting people who obtain three-day hunting licenses accompanied by a licensed hunting guide from the hunter education certificate requirements.

     The Hawaii Rifle Association, Parker Ranch, Palawai Outfitters, and a concerned individual testified in support of this bill.  Big Island Gun Dogs supported the intent of this measure.  The Department of Land and Natural Resources supported this bill with amendments.  Animal Rights Hawaii and several concerned individuals opposed this measure.

     Your Committee has amended this bill by:

(1)  Giving the Department of Land and Natural Resources authority to set the fees for private and commercial shooting preserve and farmer's licenses; and

(2)  Providing that these fees be deposited into the Wildlife Revolving Fund,

which are provisions that were previously in effect between 1995 and 2005.  Your Committee also:

(1)  Changed the license fee for three-day hunting licenses from $50 to an unspecified sum;

(2)  Changed the effective date to July 1, 2020, to encourage further discussion; and

(3)  Made technical, nonsubstantive amendments for style, clarity, and consistency.

     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. 249, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 249, H.D. 1.

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

____________________________

MARCUS R. OSHIRO, Chair