Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Education and Military Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 343, H.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds for a temporary position to coordinate state support for military personnel as well as education forum activities.

Testimony in support of the measure was submitted by the Hawaii National Guard Association, The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, and an individual. Comments were submitted by the Department of Defense.

Your Committee finds that nearly ninety per cent of the Hawaii Army National Guard is deployed overseas. It is critical that the State demonstrates its support for these individuals who are willing to serve for our safety. Adopting this measure would send a message to those who are deployed that the State is supporting them and their families and recognizes their sacrifices to our Nation.

Upon further consideration, your Committee has amended this measure by deleting the first requirement of the temporary position, as the Department of Defense currently employs a family support coordinator.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Education and Military Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 343, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 343, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.