STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1349-00

                                 Honolulu, Hawaii
                                                   , 2000

                                 RE: H.R. No. 50
                                     




Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say
Speaker, House of Representatives
Twentieth State Legislature
Regular Session of 2000
State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs, to which
was referred H.R. No. 50 entitled:

     "HOUSE RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE EFFORTS OF THE WORLD HEALTH
     ORGANIZATION AND WARIS DIRIE TO END THE HARMFUL TRADITION OF
     FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this resolution is to urge the Legislature to
unequivocally condemn the practice of female genital mutilation
in all forms and declare it unacceptable to use religion,
cultural custom, and tradition, as excuses for violent acts
against women and girls.

     Testimony in support of this resolution was received from
the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women and several
concerned individuals.

     Your Committee finds that the procedure of female genital
mutilation is a deeply rooted traditional practice in some areas
of the world that has severe harmful health consequences for
females.  Your Committee finds that there is a need to raise
public awareness about these harmful effects.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your
Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to
this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose
of H.R. No. 50, and recommends its adoption.


 
 
                                 STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1349-00
                                 Page 2

 
                                   Respectfully submitted on
                                   behalf of the members of the
                                   Committee on Judiciary &
                                   Hawaiian Affairs,



                                   ______________________________
                                   ERIC G. HAMAKAWA, Chair