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. 77, H.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds to the Department of Defense to enable the State to make a donation on behalf of the Women in Military Service for America Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery.

Your Committee received testimony in favor of this measure from the Office of Veterans Services, the State Commission on the Status of Women, Advocates for Consumer Rights, and two proud veterans.

Your Committee finds that Hawaii is the only state which has not donated funds to show its support for the monument honoring all the women who have served courageously in the military. The Women's Memorial was dedicated on October 18, 1997, and officially opened to the public on October 20, 1997. It serves to recognize the many sacrifices made by the military women of America, including thousands of Hawaii residents, who served and continue to serve in defense of our Nation. It is time for Hawaii to step up and support the great service of women in our military – past and present.

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. 77, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.