STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1427

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2009

RE:   S.B. No. 1195

      S.D. 1

      H.D. 2

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fifth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2009

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Water, Land, & Ocean Resources, to which was referred S.B. No. 1195, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE ECONOMY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this bill is to enhance the ability of the State to plan and make decisions supporting the growth of science and technology industries in the state by:

     (1)  Amending the reporting requirement under the Research and Statistics for Growth Industries Program, by requiring the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) to annually report to the Legislature on the criteria used to measure the growth of Hawaii's emerging growth industries, instead of reporting on the impact of DBEDT's efforts on those industries; and

     (2)  Amending the economic objectives and policies of the Hawaii State Planning Act to require planning to include developing and expanding businesses and activities in science, technology, and related emerging growth industries.

     The Office of Planning supported the intent of this bill.  DBEDT commented on this bill.

     Your Committee has amended this bill by:

     (1)  Including as a new policy to achieve the State's general economic objectives, stimulating the development of economic activities such as defense, dual-use, and science and technology assets, rather than incorporating this as one of the general objectives; and

     (2)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for clarity and style.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water, Land, & Ocean Resources that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1195, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 1195, S.D. 1, H.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water, Land, & Ocean Resources,

____________________________

KEN ITO, Chair