Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 7 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the Governor to release $4,500,000 to renovate and build a community center at the Makiki Community Library.

The Makiki Community Library Board, Friends of Makiki Community Library, and two individuals submitted testimony in support of this measure.

The Makiki Community Library has operated for twenty-eight years with a volunteer board and a handful of other dedicated and caring volunteers. The library doubles as a reading room and community center that serve the needs of surrounding community residents, including seniors, immigrants from Micronesia, and children, who are distant from other access to information services.

The transfer of library services from the counties to the State was expected to enhance information services. In 2004, the Legislature approved a $4,500,000 appropriation to repair and avoid further deterioration, and to build an actual community center at the historic library. In 2005, the City and County of Honolulu started renovations, including the installation of an ADA-compliant elevator and a ground floor bathroom. However, the $1,700,000 that the City and County of Honolulu will expend will only address the bare structural necessities.

Your Committee finds that the State indicated its support of this project by making the appropriation in 2004. This measure demonstrates the Legislature's steadfast commitment to the Makiki Community Library project by requesting the Governor to release the funds for the intended purpose so that the project can be completed.

Your Committee has amended this measure by making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for clarity and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 7, as amended herein, and recommends its adoption in the form attached hereto as S.C.R. No. 7, S.D. 1.