WHEREAS, in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the nation has been warned to expect the continuation of the war on terrorism and an increased risk of further terrorist attacks throughout the United States and around the world; and

WHEREAS, the State of Hawaii and its counties have accepted the call of our President and, like other state and local governments, have taken monumental measures to protect local residents and fortify themselves against foreign and domestic enemies; and

WHEREAS, the State and the counties have expended substantial portions of their limited financial resources to meet these new and added responsibilities; and

WHEREAS, the State and the counties are currently experiencing severe financial difficulties and a strained economy, which are expected to continue; and

WHEREAS, there have been indications that future grants and funding from Congress for homeland security will be available to the states only on a matching cost-share basis; and

WHEREAS, the State remains an integral partner with the federal government in the war on terrorism; 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 this body requests that Congress eliminate any state or local cost-share requirements from all homeland security related grants and funding; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the members of Hawaii's congressional delegation, the Governor of the State of Hawaii, and the Mayor and Council Chairperson of the respective counties of the State.

Report Title:

Eliminate State Cost Share Requirement for Homeland Security