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. 52 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to urge the people and businesses of Hawaii to recognize the sacrifices being made by the Hawaii-based National Guardsmen and military reservists as they are deployed on active duty.

The recognition comes in the form of returning deposits for goods and services and to otherwise financially accommodate the needs of deployed troops to the extent practicable.

Testimony in support of this measure was received from the State Department of Defense. Testimony in opposition was received from the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii.

This measure sends a clear message to our citizen soldiers that Hawaii truly cares and supports their efforts as they fight in our nation's war on terrorism. This is a small request that has a big morale impact, if not a major economic impact, on our citizen troops who put their lives on the line every day so that we at home can be at peace.

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. 52 and recommends its adoption.