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.R. No. 68, S.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish a law enforcement and public safety efficiency task force to develop clear policies, create clear interagency protocols, and facilitate interagency communication to improve efficiency and ensure public safety.

No testimony was taken by your Committee. However, the Committee on Transportation, Military Affairs and Government Operations, at its hearing, received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Public Safety (PSD) and the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). The Department of Accounting and General Services submitted comments.

This measure is intended to enhance the safeguarding of our communities, which is one of the most important roles of state government. Currently, law enforcement responsibility rests in several different agencies, including PSD, DLNR, the Department of Transportation, County Police Departments, and federal agencies, among others.

Your Committee finds that close coordination among all agencies with law enforcement authority is necessary to meet the challenges of law enforcement in the twenty-first century. The intent of this measure is to ultimately improve interagency coordination.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.R. No. 68, S.D. 1, and recommends its adoption.