Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Energy, Environment, and International Affairs, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 62 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to support the people of Kiribati in their efforts to address war reparations for the damage and suffering inflicted upon them during World War II.

Your Committee finds that the people of the Republic of Kiribati were victims of the atrocities inflicted by the Japanese military during World War II, and were further victimized by the fighting between the Japanese military and American armed forces in the latter's attempt to free the islands from Japanese rule. Your Committee is concerned that the people of Kiribati, who did not instigate the military conflict and aggression, nonetheless suffered devastating losses to people and property. Your Committee finds that it is important to signal to the Kiribati government and its people that its efforts to obtain war reparations are strongly supported.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy, Environment, and International Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 62, and recommends its adoption.