Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2004

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 203 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to urge the United States Congress to support the passage of United States Senate Bill No. 68, Relating to Improving Benefits for Filipino Veterans of World War II.

Senate Bill No. 68 is currently pending in the United States Senate and would extend full benefits, including health benefits, to Filipino veterans.

The State Department of Defense, Philippines Scout Organization of Hawaii, and WWII Filipino American Veterans, Hawaii Chapter submitted testimony in support of this measure.

Your Committee finds that there are approximately three thousand World War II Filipino veterans living in Hawaii. World War II Filipino veterans who have become United States citizens are now eligible for medical benefits and should also be eligible to receive disability pensions as provided under Senate Bill No. 68.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 203 and recommends its adoption.