Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Housing, to which was referred S.B. No. 625, S.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to require the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to establish minimum requirements for public access to the meetings and meeting records of public, educational, and governmental access (PEG) organizations and to include the requirements in organization contracts.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from one individual. Your Committee received testimony in opposition from the Community Television Producers Association, 'Olelo Community Television, the League of Women Voters of Hawai'i, and one individual. Your Committee also received comments from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and the Office of Information Practices.

Your Committee finds that public access to PEG organization records is critical to ensure the organizations' accountability. The various PEG organizations differ in their policies for public access to board meetings and meeting records. Your Committee further finds that this measure ensures the public's right to participate in PEG organization meetings and access meeting records.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Housing that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 625, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.