Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation and Government Operations, to which was referred S.B. No. 1244 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to authorize the Governor to order the release of up to ten per cent of moneys in the emergency and budget reserve fund for emergency assistance to residents and businesses sustaining damage from natural disasters, and to make an appropriation for emergency assistance.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the State Department of Defense and American Red Cross-Hawaii State Chapter.

When a natural disaster strikes, residents and businesses of the State are often twice victimized. The damage caused by a natural disaster is often extensive and repair or replacement costs are prohibitive. Emergency relief from governmental agencies to meet the immediate needs of victims is often delayed or unavailable for extended periods. For some victims of natural disasters, the delay in receiving emergency assistance can mean a total loss of their homes or businesses.

Your Committee finds that there is an urgent need to provide victims with prompt emergency relief during or immediately after a natural disaster. One source of immediate funding is the emergency and budget reserve fund. Your Committee believes that there are adequate safeguards in this measure to ensure against any unauthorized or capricious expenditure of moneys.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation and Government Operations that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1244 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.