Honorable Calvin K. Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 295 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to provide members of the Hawaii National Guard activated to federal service outside the state an extension to renew professional or vocational licenses without penalty, if the application for license renewal is filed within 90 days of the member's discharge or release from active duty outside Hawaii.

The state Department of Defense, Honolulu Fire Department, The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, and the Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. - Hawaii Chapter (ABC - Hawaii) submitted testimony in support of this bill. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) submitted comments.

Your Committee notes that DCCA recommended that the provisions of this bill apply to not only the Hawaii National Guard but also the regular armed forces and their reserve components. Moreover, DCCA suggested that the provisions also apply to activation for state service in addition to federal service.

Your Committee further notes that like DCCA, ABC - Hawaii suggested that the provisions of this bill apply to the regular armed forces and their reserve components as well. ABC - Hawaii also suggested that the notification requirement to the relevant licensing authority at least 30 days prior to the time limit for the filing of a timely renewal application be eliminated. Also, ABC - Hawaii proposed that any late fees for the renewal of licenses be waived.

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 is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 295 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committees on Consumer Protection and Commerce and Judiciary.