STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1221

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2007

RE:   H.C.R. No. 50

      H.D. 1

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2007

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on International Affairs, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 50 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE PRESIDENT OF MEXICO AND THE SECOND DISTRICT COURT OF GUADALAJARA TO DROP EXTRADITION CHARGES AGAINST TV BOUNTY HUNTER, DUANE "DOG" CHAPMAN,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this concurrent resolution is to recognize the plight of Duane "Dog" Chapman and request the President and Congress of Mexico and the Second District Court of Guadalajara to drop charges of extradition.

     The Word of Life Christian Center, Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, and numerous concerned individuals testified in support of this concurrent resolution.  Duane "Dog" Chapman offered amendments.  Several concerned individuals opposed this measure.  Numerous concerned individuals provided comments.

     Your Committee notes that numerous individuals submitted testimony and comments, sharing many different view points.  Those in favor of the resolution expressed support for Mr. Chapman and his efforts to pursue justice and provide safer communities.  Supporters also indicated that Mr. Chapman may not receive a fair trial in Mexico.

     Individuals opposing this measure expressed dismay at the actions of bounty hunters who remain unregulated, and that the State is entertaining the possibility of breaking an extradition treaty between Mexico and the United States that has been in place for decades.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Changing the title of this concurrent resolution to read: "REQUESTING THE PRESIDENT OF MEXICO AND MEXICAN JUDICIAL AUTHORITIES TO DISMISS PENDING CHARGES AND WITHDRAW THE REQUEST FOR EXTRADITION REGARDING FUGITIVE SPECIALISTS DUANE "DOG" CHAPMAN, LELAND CHAPMAN, AND TIM CHAPMAN";

     (2)  Replacing several proper names with titles; and

     (3)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for clarity, consistency, and style.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on International Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 50, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to the Committee on Judiciary in the form attached hereto as H.C.R. No. 50, H.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on International Affairs,

____________________________

RIDA T.R. CABANILLA, Chair