STAND. COM. REP. NO. 167

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2005

RE: S.B. No. 1709

 

 

Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Energy, Environment, and International Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 1709 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish an Office of International Affairs within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to coordinate and promote economic, social, cultural, and scientific relations with other countries.

Your Committee received testimony from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism that, while supporting the overall concept, was in opposition to the measure.

Your Committee finds that there is a need for an Office of International Affairs. Hawaii is uniquely positioned, both geographically and culturally, to provide mutual opportunities and benefits to other countries. Hawaii can also serve as a place where the international community can develop peace initiatives and modes of international conflict resolution.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy, Environment, and International Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1709 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy, Environment, and International Affairs,

____________________________

J. KALANI ENGLISH, Chair