Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2003

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation, Military Affairs, and Government Operations, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 29 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to urge all participating public and private entities to collaborate in the development of an officially recognized Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) team in Hawaii.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Defense. The Honolulu Fire Department testified orally in support of this measure.

Your Committee finds that following a major disaster in the State, it may take twelve hours or more for a US&R team to reach Hawaii to support search and rescue efforts. Since time is critical in any search and rescue effort, your Committee agrees that establishing a properly trained US&R team in Hawaii is extremely important.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation, Military Affairs, and Government Operations that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 29 and recommends its adoption.