Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Labor & Public Employment, to which was referred H.B. No. 173, H.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to require persons who serve in the capacity of Adjutant General to possess certain experiential qualifications. Specifically, this bill requires that, in addition to current requirements, any person who is newly appointed to the position of adjutant general possesses at least five years of service as an active commissioned officer in the Hawaii Army or Air National Guard, or both.

Numerous individuals testified in support of this bill. The state Department of Defense, Deputy Adjutant General, Office of Veterans Services, Commander of the 29^th Separate Infantry Brigade of the Hawaii Army National Guard, The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, Hawaii Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust, Representative of the 40^th District, and several concerned individuals opposed this measure. A concerned individual submitted comments.

The National Guard, while a military organization, is unique in that it serves both a state and federal function. It is important that Hawaii's Adjutant General, who serves as the commander of all guard forces in Hawaii, have an understanding of and close working relationship with Hawaii's National Guard units, state and county departments, and civilian authorities and industry within the state.

Your Committee finds that 44 other states currently have requirements that stipulate that their adjutant general have prior service in their respective national guard. Your Committee also finds that both the active duty military and reserve military promote individuals from within their own ranks. Treating personnel serving in the Hawaii Army and Air National Guard equivalent to their active duty and reserve counterparts is the right thing to do.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Labor & Public Employment that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 173, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.