Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Public Safety & Military Affairs, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 147 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this concurrent resolution is to urge Congress to authorize and appropriate funds to allow all members of the armed forces reserve component to access TRICARE health benefit coverage on a cost-share basis, without restrictions.

The Department of Defense, Hawaii National Guard Association, Hawaii National Guard Enlisted Association, Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, and a concerned individual supported this measure.

Your Committee finds that the issue of medical readiness exists in the National Guard and, during mobilization, the number one reason for soldiers being rated non-deployable was a medical one. Allowing members of the National Guard and Reserves to have unrestricted access to TRICARE coverage would greatly enhance their personnel readiness.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Public Safety & Military Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 147 and recommends its adoption.