STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1502

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.R. No. 65

Honorable Donna Mercado Kim

President of the Senate

Twenty-Seventh State Legislature

Regular Session of 2013

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committees on Economic Development, Government Operations and Housing, Agriculture, and Technology and the Arts, to which was referred S.R. No. 65 entitled:

"SENATE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 6 THROUGH 13, 2013, AS "HAWAII FISHING AND SEAFOOD WEEK","

beg leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to support local fishing traditions and seafood production in Hawaii by recognizing the week of October 6 through 13, 2013, as "Hawaii Fishing and Seafood Week", and encouraging the people of Hawaii to recognize and support fishing traditions and seafood production in Hawaii during Hawaii Fishing and Seafood Week.

     Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Fishing Tales, Fresh Catch, Maui Cooperative Fishing Association, Pacific Island Fisheries Group, Waialua Boat Club, and numerous individuals.

     Your Committees find that the Hawaii Fishing and Seafood Week, started eight years ago by the Pacific Islands Fisheries Group, is a growing and important celebration of Hawaii's unique fishing traditions and the seafood industry in the State.  The week-long activities include keiki participation in an art event; a fishing tournament to benefit charity; and the Hawaii Fishing and Seafood Festival, a fundraiser that brings together Hawaii's fishing and seafood communities and involves vendors, local seafood tastings, and fishing and other demonstrations.  Your Committees find that Hawaii Fishing and Seafood Week should be recognized and supported because it educates the public about the importance of responsible fishing, perpetuates Hawaii's deep-rooted fishing traditions, and promotes the growth of the seafood and culinary industries in Hawaii.

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Economic Development, Government Operations and Housing, Agriculture, and Technology and the Arts that are attached to this report, your Committees concur with the intent and purpose of S.R. No. 65 and recommend its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Economic Development, Government Operations and Housing, Agriculture, and Technology and the Arts,

____________________________ CLARENCE K. NISHIHARA, Chair	____________________________ DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair
	____________________________ GLENN WAKAI, Chair