Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 1772 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to allow non-residents to apply for police officer positions, provided that they establish residency upon employment.

Your Committee is aware that the State suffers from a serious shortage in public safety positions, which has implications for the safety of the general public.

Your Committee finds that the residency requirement is a deterrent that limits the number of potential police officer applicants. Specifically, exempting such applicants from the statutorily mandated residency requirement will broaden the pool of applicants by allowing out-of-state applicants to apply. Your Committee believes that removing the residency requirement for police officer applicants is prudent and in the public's best interest.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1772, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.