STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3025

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 2832

       H.D. 1

       S.D. 2

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fifth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2010

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 2832, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TARO SECURITY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to require the Taro Security and Purity Task Force to implement the recommendations of its report submitted to the Legislature prior to the 2010 regular session.

This measure would also require the Taro Security and Purity Task Force to submit a preliminary and final report on the implementation of those recommendations prior to the 2014 and 2015 regular sessions, respectively.

     Your Committee received comments in support of this measure from the Taro Security and Purity Task Force and two concerned individuals.  One concerned individual submitted comments.  The written comments may be reviewed on the Legislature's website.

     Your Committee finds that the work of the Taro Security and Purity Task Force is vital to the taro industry.  Prior to the 2010 regular session, the Taro Security and Purity Task Force submitted recommendations to the Legislature to address the challenges facing taro, taro farmers, and taro markets.  Your Committee believes that the next step must be taken by the task force to implement these recommendations to sustain and further develop the taro industry in the State.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Changing the effective date to July 1, 2050, to facilitate further discussion on the measure; and

     (2)  Making technical, nonsubstantive changes for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2832, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2832, H.D. 1, S.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

____________________________

DONNA MERCADO KIM, Chair