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. 868, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to clarify that the military representative to the Board of Education shall be seated alongside other Board members during meetings and shall participate fully in Board discussions, other than executive meetings.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce and the United States Pacific Command. Testimony in opposition was submitted by the Board of Education.

Your Committee supports the intent of this measure. Your Committee finds that with the large number of military personnel in the State, it is appropriate to give a military representative a significant role in the Board of Education meetings. Although existing law provides for a military liaison on the Board, your Committee supports provisions ensuring that the representative sits alongside other Board members and fully participates in all discussions and debates of the Board.

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. 868, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.