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 S.B. No. 2737 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to clarify the protections afforded private agencies and entities engaged in civil defense functions.

Your Committee recognizes that, in addition to federal, state, and county agencies and the military, there are private agencies or entities that are key participants in the civil defense system to ensure the State is prepared for any type of disaster or emergency. Present law provides that the State, counties, and persons engaged in civil defense functions are not liable for the death of or injury to persons or for damage to property. Your Committee finds that providing private agencies and entities that assist the public in times of disasters with immunity from liability will encourage them to provide tourists and the general public with private shelters in times of disasters or civil defense.

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 S.B. No. 2737 and recommends that it pass Third Reading.