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 S.R. No. 84 entitled:

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the Department of Education to establish a student exchange program involving Hawaii public school students and Filipino students in provinces in the Republic of the Philippines that have established province-state relationships with Hawaii.

Testimony in support of the measure was received from the Ilocos Surian Association of Hawaii, the Congress of Visayan Organizations, and the Oahu Filipino Community Council. Offering comments on the measure was the Department of Education.

Your Committees find that this measure will strengthen the important historical and cultural ties between Hawaii and the Philippines. The proposed exchange program will also promote increased dialogue as well as foster greater understanding and a sense of respect between the young people of the United States and the Republic of the Philippines.

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 concur with the intent and purpose of S.R. No. 84 and recommend its adoption.