STAND. COM. REP. NO. 564

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2005

RE: H.B. No. 887

 

 

 

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Labor & Public Employment, to which was referred H.B. No. 887 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO LEGISLATIVE INQUIRIES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to assist the Legislature when it conducts fact-finding duties by promoting complete and truthful disclosure from individuals by prohibiting the payment of salaries of state employees who coerce, intimidate, or otherwise prevent subordinates from sharing public information at legislative hearings or in response to other legislative functions.

The Hawaii Government Employees Association testified in support of this measure.

Your Committee finds that front-line staff can offer the most insight into the inner workings of various departments and agencies. However, it has been brought to the Legislature's attention that many of these individuals do not want to testify or present information because of fear of retribution. This measure will allow these individuals to share their knowledge with the policymakers and provide for more honest and open government.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Labor & Public Employment that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 887 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Labor & Public Employment,

 

____________________________

KIRK CALDWELL, Chair