STAND. COM. REP. NO.  2101

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2007

RE:   S.C.R. No. 32

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2007

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Public Safety & Military Affairs, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 32 entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO STUDY THE IMPACT OF CIGARETTE FIRE SAFETY STANDARDS ESTABLISHED IN OTHER STATES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this concurrent resolution is to enhance fire safety in Hawaii by requesting the Department of the Attorney General (AG) to study the impact of cigarette fire safety standards established in other states.

     The State Fire Council (SFC) and Honolulu Fire Department supported the intent of this concurrent resolution.  The AG opposed this measure.

     Your Committee finds that the irresponsible use of cigarettes plays a dangerous role in damage and injuries caused by fires in Hawaii.  Although the AG submitted testimony opposing this concurrent resolution, it is important that this measure move forward to encourage further discussion on this matter.  Your Committee encourages the AG to work closely with the Department of Health, SFC, Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, and Department of Taxation to determine the agency best suited to take charge of heading up the implementation and enforcement of new cigarette fire standards.  These parties are also urged to discuss plans to support the reintroduction in the Regular Session of 2008, legislation such as House Bill No. 637, which would have prohibited the sale of cigarettes in Hawaii that are not reduced ignition propensity "fire-safe".

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Public Safety & Military Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 32 and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Public Safety & Military Affairs,

____________________________

SHARON E. HAR, Acting Chair and Vice Chair