STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3277

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 2887

       H.D. 2

       S.D. 1

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2008

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Affordable Housing, to which was referred H.B. No. 2887, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TATTOOING,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to observe the cultural practices of traditional Hawaiian tattooing while ensuring that health and safety measures are provided by requiring the Department of Health to convene a working group to address the issues relating to the practice of traditional Hawaiian tattooing, and submit a written report of the working group's findings and recommendations to the Legislature prior to the 2009 Regular Session.

     Testimony in support of this measure was submitted by one private individual.

     Traditional Hawaiian tattooing is a sacred cultural practice that connects individuals to their ancestors.  Individuals who wish to receive tattoos in the traditional manner must often conduct in-depth genealogical and spiritual research before they are tattooed.  The practice is rising in popularity as more Native Hawaiians seek out ways to reconnect to their rich cultural heritage.  Your Committee recognizes that traditional Hawaiian tattooing utilizes procedures, equipment, and dyes that are inconsistent with current health standards and raises health concerns.  Requiring the Department of Health to convene a working group to address the issues relating to the practice of traditional Hawaiian tattooing will enable the Legislature to enact appropriate legislation that will allow individuals to safely receive tattoos in the traditional manner.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Affordable Housing that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2887, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Affordable Housing,

____________________________

RUSSELL S. KOKUBUN, Chair