Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Economic Development & Business Concerns, to which was referred H.B. No. 1616 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to limit the time period in which liquor may be sold by liquor establishments that are located within 500 feet of a public or private school or public playground.

The Board of Education testified in support of this bill.

Your Committee finds that the problem of underage drinking is exacerbated by the close proximity of some liquor establishments to various schools and playgrounds throughout the state. By prohibiting the sale and consumption of liquor during school operational hours, the potential for underage students consuming alcohol will be diminished.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Economic Development & Business Concerns that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1616 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Judiciary.