STAND. COM. REP. NO.1216

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2001

RE: H.B. No. 139

 

 

Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation, Military Affairs and Government Operations, to which was referred H.B. No. 139 entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to increase the annual legislative allowance for incidental expenses from $5,000, to $7,500.

Your Committee finds that the current amount is not enough for a legislator to effectively perform the duties of the office in order to adequately represent the legislator's constituents. For example, a mass mailing to district residents to obtain their opinion is not possible, considering printing and postage expense. Your Committee further finds that $7,500, is not unreasonable in view of inflation and the cost of living. However, your Committee defers to the discretion of the Committee on Ways and Means.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation, Military Affairs and Government Operations that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 139 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 Transportation, Military Affairs and Government Operations,

____________________________

CAL KAWAMOTO, Chair