STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1766

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2007

RE:   H.C.R. No. 127

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2007

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 127 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE GOVERNOR TO PROCLAIM THE LAST WEEK IN JULY OF EACH YEAR AS CONSERVATION WEEK,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this concurrent resolution is to promote effective, long-term management of Hawaii's natural resources by urging the Governor to proclaim the last week in July of each year as "Conservation Week."

     The Department of Land and Natural Resources, The Nature Conservancy, and several concerned individuals submitted testimony in support of this concurrent resolution.

     Your Committee finds that Conservation Week this year will include the three-day 15^th Annual Hawaii Conservation Conference, "My Hawaii" Winners Nature Writers' Workshop, Conservation Film Festival, and Conservation Art Show.  These events will bring together local, national, and international leaders, scientists, and conservation managers, and the public to discuss the most current and pertinent conservation issues of Hawaii and the Pacific region.  Your Committee further finds that declaring the week to be Conservation Week will increase the public's awareness and involvement in preserving Hawaii's extremely limited and  fragile environment.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 127 and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection,

____________________________

HERMINA MORITA, Chair