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 S.C.R. No. 106 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to urge state agencies and businesses to recognize military personnel and their families as local residents, thereby qualifying them for certain kama'aina benefits and opportunities.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Defense, the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, and the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce.

Your Committee finds that local residents are often entitled to discounts and other benefits due to the fact that they reside in the State. To receive these discounts, local residents often must present a Hawaii driver's license.

Your Committee further finds that military personnel stationed in Hawaii, and their families, bring great social and economic benefit to the State. While military personnel and their families may not be permanent residents of Hawaii, they are an invaluable part of the local community.

Therefore, your Committee supports this measure wholeheartedly. Your Committee believes that military personnel and their families should be entitled to kama'aina benefits, and that, in addition, they should be viewed as an integral part of the local community.

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 S.C.R. No. 106 and recommends its adoption.