Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2004

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Education and Transportation, Military Affairs, and Government Operations, to which was referred H.B. No. 1907, H.D. 1, entitled:

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to make an appropriation for tuition assistance for National Guard members enrolled in degree programs at the University of Hawaii.

Your Committees received testimony from the President of the Hawaii National Guard Association and 2nd Battalion Commander for the 298th Regiment, Hawaii Army National Guard; University of Hawaii; and Hawaii Chamber of Commerce.

Your Committees find that we ask so much of our citizen soldiers in these days of global uncertainties. This program is a great way to thank and reward them by giving them the opportunity to complete their degree and be the best educated they can be to perform our state and federal missions.

Your Committees have amended the measure to include military reservists in the tuition waiver program.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Education and Transportation, Military Affairs, and Government Operations that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1907, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1907, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.