STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1700

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 1201

       H.D. 1

       S.D. 1

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2007

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 1201, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to clarify the participation of beneficiaries in the process of preparing the Office of Hawaiian Affairs' biennial and supplemental budgets.

     Specifically, this measure amends section 10-14.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes (Office of Hawaiian Affairs budget preparation) by:

(1)  Authorizing the Board of Trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to choose the best method of providing opportunities for beneficiaries to be involved with the preparation of its budget annually; and

(2)  Clarifying that public meetings on the proposed budget in every county are not required.

     Comments in support of this measure were received from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

     Your Committee finds that this measure will help to streamline the process by which the Office of Hawaiian Affairs prepares its budget.  Your Committee further finds that giving the Office of Hawaiian Affairs discretionary authority to choose the best method of involving its beneficiaries will be an efficient and cost-effective option.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1201, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

____________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair