STAND. COM. REP. NO. 966

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    H.B. No. 1326

       H.D. 2

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2017

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Technology, to which was referred H.B. No. 1326, H.D. 2, entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to advance the State's economic development, sustainability, and diversity by appropriating funds for a market assessment study to assess the feasibility of developing a basalt fiber facility in Hawaii.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems; Hawaii Island Economic Development Board; Oceanit, Laboratories, Inc.; and one individual.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the High Technology Development Corporation.

 

     Your Committee finds that basalt's unique properties make it an excellent material for a variety of specialized applications.  Basalt fibers are currently being used in the manufacturing of various products that include rebar, mesh, rope, and fabric.  However, currently, there is no domestic producer of basalt fiber.  Your Committee further finds that state funding for a market study to evaluate the feasibility of developing a basalt fiber facility in Hawaii could capitalize on Hawaii's basalt resources and create long-term benefits to the State's economy.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Technology that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1326, H.D. 2, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Technology,

 

 

 

________________________________

GLENN WAKAI, Chair