Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Education and Military Affairs, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 147 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to urge the United States Congress to authorize funds for armed forces reserve components to access TRICARE program health benefits without restrictions.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the State Department of Defense, the Hawaii National Guard Association, and the Hawaii National Guard Enlisted Association.

Your Committee finds that medical readiness continues to be an issue of concern for the National Guard, and that during mobilization, the number one reason a member is found non-deployable is a medical issue. Your Committee finds that allowing access to TRICARE for members of the National Guard and Reserves would greatly enhance personnel readiness.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Education and 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.