WHEREAS, in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the United States has taken many measures to protect itself and fortify the country against foreign and domestic enemies; and

WHEREAS, unstable conditions in the Middle East and other regions of the world have worsened, increasing the likelihood of more widespread conflicts that could involve the United States; and

WHEREAS, the volatile situation in Iraq could very likely trigger another Gulf War, which current estimates predict would involve 200,000 to 250,000 U.S. military personnel; and

WHEREAS, such a enormous conflict would have untold effects on the national and local economies, and, even though Hawaii is many thousands of miles away from a potential conflict in the Middle East, now is the time that the State must prepare to ensure that it is secure and protected from attack and the likely effects of such a war; and

WHEREAS, not only will our security be threatened, but historically, disruptions in shipped supplies have always had a profound effect on the State, with even short disruptions such as the one caused during the recent west coast dock strike having lingering consequences; and

WHEREAS, as evidenced by the Gulf War, the effects of war on our State will undoubtedly result in a wide range of damaging changes to many facets of everyone's lives including the availability of fuel and other consumer goods; the change in the economic status of many businesses small and large; the extreme social consequences as our young men and women join in the conflict and those left behind having to make ends meet under possibly harsh conditions; and

WHEREAS, our knowledge of the repercussions during and following the Gulf War will enable the State to immediately do everything in its power to prepare for such a crisis ensuring that reserves of daily necessities will be adequate for extended periods should the State be cut off from supplies; and

WHEREAS, the State of Hawaii must be prepared to take special action in the event that war occurs to ensure that Hawaii is prepared and able to handle the possible effects of a military conflict on our State; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2003, that there is established the Select House Committee on War Preparedness, to work with local and federal law enforcement agencies, representatives of the military, and other federal and state agencies to inform the House of Representatives on the State's preparedness in the event the United States enters an extended armed conflict; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Select Committee examine issues including the State's reserves of oil, food, and other necessities, as well as measures being taken to ensure the security of the State against military and terrorist threats; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall appoint the members of the Select Committee as follows: four majority members of the House of Representatives, one minority member of the House of Representatives, and five individuals from the private sector; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Speaker of the House shall designate the Chair of the Select Committee from among its members; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Select Committee shall submit its final report no later than ten days prior to the end of the Regular Session of 2003 and the Select Committee shall be discharged upon the submittal of its final report.

Report Title:

Select Committee on War Preparedness