Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation, Military Affairs and Government Operations, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 121, H.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the United States Department of Defense to maintain the current structure of the United States Pacific Command.

Testimony in support of this measure was submitted by the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce and the Mestizo Association.

Your Committee finds that very recent developments concerning a proposal to alter the structure of the United States Pacific Command may not be in the best interest of our State. The U.S. Pacific Command, under its current structure, contributes approximately 15% of the state gross product and is the fourth largest employer in Hawaii.

In addition, altering the command structure could have unintended consequences in the Pacific region, by signaling to our adversaries that the United States is directing its military resources elsewhere. For these reasons, your Committee strongly supports the current structure of the U.S. Pacific Command.

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 concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 121, H.D. 1, and recommends its adoption.