WHEREAS, it is commonly known and accepted that small business forms the "backbone" of Hawaii's economy; and

WHEREAS, it is also well known, deservedly or not, that the State is not particularly hospitable to small businesses starting up or operating in Hawaii; and

WHEREAS, the bulk of complaints from small businesses revolve around the responsiveness of regulatory state agencies and the multitude and complexity of regulatory requirements imposed on small businesses; and

WHEREAS, to level the playing field for small businesses in Hawaii, there needs to be a recognition of the rights of small businesses; now, therefore,

Twenty-second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2003, that the Small Business Regulatory Review Board (Review Board) is requested to conduct a study to develop a bill of rights for small business that protects and preserves the rights of small businesses; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Review Board submit a report of its findings, including the small business bill of rights and any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than 20 days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2004; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Review Board and the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.

Report Title:

Small Business Bill of Rights; Study