STAND. COM. REP. NO.  548

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2007

RE:   H.B. No. 249

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2007

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committees on Water, Land, Ocean Resources & Hawaiian Affairs and Tourism & Culture, to which was referred H.B. No. 249 entitled:

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

beg 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, Outrigger Enterprises, Inc., Parker Ranch, Palawai Outfitters, and several concerned individuals testified in support of this bill.  The Department of Land and Natural Resources supported the intent of this measure.  The Conservation Council for Hawaii, Animal Rights Hawaii, and a number of concerned individuals opposed this bill. 

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Water, Land, Ocean Resources & Hawaiian Affairs and Tourism & Culture that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 249 and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Water, Land, Ocean Resources & Hawaiian Affairs and Tourism & Culture,

____________________________ RYAN I. YAMANE, Chair

____________________________ KEN ITO, Chair