Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Media, Arts, Science, and Technology and Transportation and Government Operations, to which was referred H.B. No. 906, H.D. 1, entitled:

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to enhance public access to the legislative process by funding the transmission of legislative sessions and hearings via streaming media from the House and Senate chambers, House and Senate conference rooms, and the capitol auditorium.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the League of Women Voters of Hawaii and one individual. Your Committees also received comments from the Disability and Communication Access Board.

Your Committees find that broadcasting legislative proceedings via the internet will enable interested and concerned citizens throughout the State to view legislative floor sessions and committee hearings when it is convenient for them. Streaming media, or webcasting, permits those with access to a computer at home or in a public place such as a library, school, or community center to follow the proceedings when they could not otherwise do so. Your Committees further find that this measure will encourage public discussion of important issues and provide insight into the lawmaking process.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Media, Arts, Science, and Technology and Transportation and Government Operations that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 906, H.D. 1, and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.