STAND. COM. REP. NO.1559

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2003

RE: S.C.R. No. 49

S.D. 1

 

 

Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2003

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 49, S.D. 1, entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE BUREAU TO CONDUCT A STUDY CONCERNING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS IN STATE GOVERNMENT,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the Legislative Reference Bureau to study the establishment of an Office of International Affairs within state government.

Specifically, this Concurrent Resolution requests the:

(1) Legislative Reference Bureau to study and recommend the most appropriate duties and responsibilities of, as well as where to locate within the framework of state government, an Office of International Affairs;

(2) Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President of the Senate each to designate at least one individual knowledgeable about the relevant issues who shall be available to consult with the Legislative Reference Bureau; and

(3) Legislative Reference Bureau to submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislature twenty days before the convening of the Regular Session of 2004.

Your Committee finds that Hawaii's mid-Pacific location makes it a geographical bridge between East and West. In addition, Hawaii has many other resources that suggest a more active international role for our State. Currently, a number of internationally focused programs exist in various departments and agencies. Your Committee believes that Hawaii should wait no longer to examine our assets and opportunities; instead, we must determine our role in international affairs around the globe to better understand our challenges and opportunities at home and abroad.

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 concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 49, S.D. 1, and recommends its adoption.

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

____________________________

BRIAN T. TANIGUCHI, Chair