Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2003

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on International Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 317, S.D. 2, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to honor and recognize those Korean War Veterans who served and sacrificed for their country by appropriating an unspecified amount of funds to enable the Korean War Commission to complete its commemoration of the 50^th anniversary of the Korean War.

The United States Congress designated June 25, 2000, to November 11, 2003, as the official commemoration period for the 50^th anniversary of the Korean War. As 2003 is the final year of this commemoration period, a variety of events are scheduled in Hawaii to recognize the men and women who served in Korea.

The Office of Veterans Services; The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii; Aloha Chapter of the Chosin Few, Inc.; Korean War Veterans Association, Hawaii Chapter #1; members of the 50^th Anniversary Commemoration of the Korean War Commission; Society of Military Widows; Maui No Ka Oi Chapter 282, Maui; members of the 5^th Regimental Combat Team, Korean War Veterans, Hawaii; and numerous individuals testified in support of this measure.

Your Committee supports this measure because it allows us to honor those Korean War Veterans who risked their lives, were killed in action, remain missing in action, or have since passed away. Your Committee further believes that it is necessary to provide the public with a clearer understanding and appreciation of the lessons, history, and legacy of the Korean War, and the military's contribution in maintaining world peace and freedom.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on International Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 317, S.D. 2, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Finance.