Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2004

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation, Military Affairs, and Government Operations, 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 S. 68, relating to improving benefits for Filipino veterans of World War II.

Testimony in support of this measure was received from the Office of Veterans Services, Philippines Scouts Organization of Hawaii, WWII Fil-AM Veterans, and nine individuals. Your Committee heard this measure together with S.C.R. No. 97 and S.R. 51, with the same testifiers for all measures.

The passage of S. 68 would extend full and equitable benefits, particularly health benefits, that were previously withheld by the Rescission Act of 1946 which withdrew the U.S. veterans status for Filipino World War II soldiers. S. 68 would improve benefits for these veterans and their spouses by increasing the rate of payment of compensation benefits to certain Filipino veterans.

Testimony indicated that approximately 3,000 World War II Filipino veterans are residents of Hawaii. The health and well-being of these veterans are of great importance to the State. They are progressing in years and their medical expenses keep mounting while they are mostly on fixed incomes. In addition, your Committee finds that these Filipino veterans fought honorably for the United States in World War II and deserve this recognition for their loyalty and valor.

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. 203 and recommends its adoption.