STAND. COM. REP. NO. 610

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 1507

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Labor, Culture and the Arts and Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism, to which was referred S.B. No. 1507 entitled:

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

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate funds to plan for and hold a 2020 Hawaii – Philippines sister city trade show and economic outlook symposium ("symposium").

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii; Filipina Advocacy Network; Commercial and Business Lending; East West Marketing, Inc.; and four individuals. Your Committees received comments on this measure from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.

Your Committees find that having the symposium would expand the economic partnership between the State and the Philippines sister states and cities. The State's communities, individuals, and businesses would have the opportunity to meet business owners and city officials from the Philippines to gain a new perspective on Filipino culture and business and trade practices, as well as allow participants to develop relationships and business opportunities which may lead to increased trade and cultural diversity. This measure will appropriate funds for the symposium to increase trade with the Philippines and its sister cities and states and create an economic benefit for the State.

Your Committees note that the appropriation amount requested is $50,000. Your Committees also note that a grant in aid application has been submitted for the symposium and that a grant in aid may be the preferable way of financing this event.

Your Committees have amended this measure by:

(1) Removing the $50,000 appropriation amount and inserting a blank appropriation amount;

(2) Requiring matching private funds before any funds are made available; and

(3) Inserting an effective date of January 1, 2051, to encourage further discussion.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Labor, Culture and the Arts and Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1507, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 1507, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Labor, Culture and the Arts and Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism,

________________________________ GLENN WAKAI, Chair

________________________________ BRIAN T. TANIGUCHI, Chair