WHEREAS, the State of Hawaii government understands that the United States Army is planning a long—term privatization program to improve the quality of military housing on Oahu through its Residential Communities Initiative; and

WHEREAS, the total amount of investment for housing renovation and development in the Hawaii program will be approximately $1,000,000,000; and

WHEREAS, the privatization program will have a significant beneficial impact on both the quality of Army housing and the economy in Hawaii; and

WHEREAS, it is critical that the privatization program initiative be executed efficiently and effectively; and

WHEREAS, the challenges associated with an endeavor of this size and scope are magnified by the special geographical, cultural, logistical, and business factors unique to Hawaii; and

WHEREAS, to solve these challenges it is imperative that the Army tap into the local knowledge base by engaging the Hawaii—based engineering and construction communities, where the most appropriate, economical, and innovative solutions can be found; and

WHEREAS, the economy of the State of Hawaii, to a greater degree than elsewhere in the nation, depends on the success of its small businesses; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-Second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2003, that the United States Army is strongly urged to include in the selection criteria for a privatization program contractor or partner a preference for proposals that can present the most credible plans for involving Hawaii—based financial, architectural, engineering, construction, property management, general services and material supplier companies to perform the work; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the preference should apply to corporations or business entities organized under the laws of the State of Hawaii that comply with all applicable state laws regarding health insurance, temporary disability insurance, workers' compensation, unemployment insurance, and state tax laws; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the United States Army is requested to increase the small business evaluation factor to the highest level of importance by giving preference to bidders that can demonstrate a superior history of commitment to Hawai’i small businesses through consistent achievement of goals for outreach and participation in government contracting programs in Hawaii; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Honorable Thomas E. White, Secretary of the Army; General Eric K. Shinseki, Chief of Staff, United States Army; Major General Eric T. Olson, Commanding General, 25th Infantry Division (Light) & United States Army, Hawaii; and Major General Craig B. Whelden, Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army, Pacific.

Report Title:

Residential Communities Initiative; Local Contractors