Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2003

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 1479, S.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds for the maintenance of veterans cemeteries in the counties of Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii and the City and County of Honolulu.

Your Committee finds that burial for qualified veterans and their dependents in veterans cemeteries in this State is an honor reserved for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the service of their country. The establishment of these veterans cemeteries reflects the commitment of the people of Hawaii to those who served in the armed forces of the United States.

Your Committee further finds, however, that Hawaii’s veterans cemeteries suffer from inadequate care and maintenance due to lack of sufficient funding. Your Committee finds that this measure will appropriate necessary funds to maintain these cemeteries in tribute to and respect for Hawaii's veterans.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1479, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.