Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred S.B. No. 684 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to raise the statutory fees that may be charged by sheriffs and police officers for various services, including service of summons and subpoenas.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii Deputy Sheriff's Association and from a Deputy Sheriff individually. Testimony in opposition was received from the Department of Public Safety, Credit Associates of Maui, Ltd., Select Consulting Service, and five concerned citizens.

Your Committee finds that the fees authorized for service of summons and subpoenas, and related services, have not been raised in over ten years. During that time, the cost of living, including the price of gasoline, has risen dramatically. Your Committee finds that sheriffs on the island of Hawaii are severely affected by the rise in gasoline prices due to the great distances that must be traveled to effect service on the island.

Fees for service of summons and subpoenas are paid by the persons using the service, not by State funds. Your Committee believes that it is appropriate to raise the authorized fees at this time. Sheriffs provide a public service by serving summons and other legal documents, often at great personal risk, and they deserve to be compensated fairly.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 684 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.