STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1648

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2005

RE: S.C.R. No. 174

 

 

Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Higher Education, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 174 entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII TO WORK WITH THE LYON ARBORETUM COMMUNITY STEERING COMMITTEE AND TO SUBMIT A REPORT REGARDING ITS EFFORTS TO IMPROVE CONDITIONS AT THE LYON ARBORETUM,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the University of Hawaii (UH) to work with the Lyon Arboretum community steering committee and to submit a report regarding its efforts to improve conditions at the Lyon Arboretum.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from UH, the Lyon Arboretum Steering Committee, and six individuals.

Your Committee recognizes that the Harold L. Lyon Arboretum, under the auspices of the UH, is a precious and unique botanical and educational resource for the State and nation. In response to Senate Concurrent Resolution 115 passed by the Legislature in 2004, the Auditor completed a report that admonished the UH for certain neglected management practices regarding Lyon Arboretum.

Your Committee acknowledges that community activism and a cadre of dedicated staff have been instrumental in keeping the Lyon Arboretum in operation in spite of inadequate funding and support.

This measure calls for a coordinated and responsible effort between the UH and the Lyon Arboretum Steering Committee to allow the Lyon Arboretum to grow towards its full potential for the benefit of students, the State, and the scientific community, as well as for future generations.

Your Committee previously approved S.B. No. 1747 (Relating to the Lyon Arboretum) in which your Committee appropriated $900,000 for operations, repair, and maintenance. The appropriation is almost a three-fold increase in Lyon Arboretum's current budget.

This measure will provide the Legislature with appropriate follow up information necessary to ensure the proper use of the new funds and the management and operations of Lyon Arboretum.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Higher Education that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 174 and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Higher Education,

____________________________

CLAYTON HEE, Chair