STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3472

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 2550

       H.D. 1

       S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2016

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 2550, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND TOURISM,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate moneys to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism for the promotion of the Department of Agriculture's existing made in Hawaii brand program.

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, Department of Agriculture, High Technology Development Corporation, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, K. Yamada Distributors, and Meadow Gold Dairies.

     Your Committee finds that products made in Hawaii and the made in Hawaii brand are well-known by consumers and play an important role in the State's manufacturing and tourism industries.  Despite the importance of the brand, some businesses have attempted to sell non-Hawaii made products as made in Hawaii.  Accordingly, it is important for the State to preserve the integrity of products made in Hawaii and the made in Hawaii brand.  Your Committee believes that the active promotion of a positive image for products made in Hawaii and the made in Hawaii brand contributes affirmatively to the economy and reinforces the strength of the products and brand.

     Your Committee notes that the requested appropriation amount is $150,000.

     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. 2550, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

________________________________

JILL N. TOKUDA, Chair