Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Tourism, to which was referred S.B. No. 1728 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to clarify that the perpetuation, protection, and enhancement of the Hawaiian culture is among the responsibilities of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the measure from the Hawaii Tourism Authority, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and a member of the Maui County Council.

Your Committee finds that this measure reaffirms the Office of Hawaiian Affairs' obligation to preserve and protect the culture and history of Native Hawaiians. In connection with its goals and strategies, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs should be identifying and providing solutions to safeguard endangered traditions, practices, and rights, and subsequently put into practice steps that will protect, re-establish, and enhance Hawaiian cultural assets. Thus, your Committee believes that this measure will reinforce the duty of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to make available technical and financial assistance and advisory services to any agency or private organization for programs to perpetuate, protect, or enhance Hawaiian culture.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Tourism that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1728 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs.