Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 603 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to create a misdemeanor offense of misuse of 911 telephone emergency services when an individual accesses 911 and knowingly causes a false alarm or recklessly makes a false complaint or report.

Testimony in support of the measure was submitted by the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney for the City and County of Honolulu, the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney for the County of Kauai, the Honolulu Police Department, the Maui County Police Department, and the Hawaii County Police Department.

Your Committee finds that the 911 telephone emergency system functions as an important lifeline for Hawaii's citizens who require the immediate assistance of medical, fire fighting, and law enforcement personnel. The misuse of the 911 telephone emergency system not only wastes important public resources in responding to false emergencies, but also diverts critical police, firefighter, and emergency service personnel from legitimate needs. The creation of a misdemeanor offense will prevent the misuse of the 911 telephone emergency system and ensure that these services are reserved for individuals who legitimately require immediate assistance.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 603 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be placed on the calendar for Third Reading.