STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1631

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2007

RE:   H.R. No. 246

      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.R. No. 246 entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION URGING THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO EASE RESTRICTIONS ON THE ISSUANCE TEMPORARY VISAS AND EXTEND THE STAY LIMIT TO ALLOW FOREIGN MEDIATORS AND PARTIES IN NEED OF MEDIATION SERVICES TO ENTER THE STATE OF HAWAII FOR THE PURPOSE OF FACILITATING COMMUNICATION AND NEGOTIATION BETWEEN PARTIES TO RESOLVE DISPUTES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this resolution is to strengthen and facilitate enhanced international diplomacy by easing visa requirements for foreign mediators involved in international dispute resolution.

     Two concerned individuals testified in support.  One concerned individual supported the resolution with amendments.

     Your Committee has amended this resolution by:

     (1)  Removing references to possible impediments to                 successful mediation, such as language barriers and            cultural differences between parties;

     (2)  Incorporating language to reference the potential              benefits of entering into mediation, such as                   inexpensive, expedient, dispute resolution capabilities       over the cost of implementing arbitration; and

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

     Your Committee further finds that the frequency of growth and trade between Asia Pacific and the United States may increase the need for instances of dispute resolution and provide encouragement and opportunity to resolve disputes within a 30 day period.

     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.R. No. 246, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to the Committee on Judiciary in the form attached hereto as H.R. No. 246, H.D. 1.

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

____________________________

RIDA T.R. CABANILLA, Chair