STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1788-08

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2008

RE:   H.C.R. No. 244

      H.D. 1

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2008

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 244 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE BOARD OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTANCY TO CONVENE A MEETING TO DISCUSS ISSUES FACING THE ACCOUNTING PROFESSION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this concurrent resolution is to address issues facing the accounting profession by requesting the Board of Public Accountancy to convene a meeting with interested individuals and groups regarding the licensure of certified public accountants.

Prior to the public hearing on this measure, your Committee circulated for public comment a proposed H.D. 1 that urges the Department of Agriculture (DOA) to adopt rules consistent with federal law to prohibit the meat packing industry and meat or meat product retailers from using gas or other technology to extend the expiration date of meat sold in the state.

     The Hawaii Teamsters and Allied Workers, Local 996, testified in support of the proposed H.D. 1.  The Grocery Manufacturers Association opposed the proposed H.D. 1.  DOA provided comments.

     Your Committee has amended this concurrent resolution by replacing its entire contents with the proposed H.D. 1 and making further technical, nonsubstantive amendments for clarity and style.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 244, as amended herein, and recommends its adoption in the form attached hereto as H.C.R. No. 244, H.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,

____________________________

ROBERT N. HERKES, Chair