STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2801

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    S.B. No. 2498

       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 Economic Development and Taxation, to which was referred S.B. No. 2498 entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO A MAKAHIKI DAY COMMEMORATION,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this measure is to establish November 20th of each year as Makahiki Commemoration Day.

 

     Testimony in support of this measure was received from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and seven individuals.

 

     Your Committee finds that Makahiki was a significant time throughout Polynesia.  During this four-month period, conflict and war were set aside and unity and peace prevailed as the people paid tribute to Lono, and to the chiefs in thanks for their wise stewardship.

 

     Your Committee is in support of this measure and its recognition of an annual period of great significance for the indigenous cultures of Polynesia.

 

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

 

     (1)  Stating in the findings and purpose that the commemoration of this culturally important season is fitting and that consultation with knowledgeable Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners should be sought to ensure that establishing a set date for commemorating the Makahiki season does not affect the ability to perpetuate traditions associated with the Makahiki; and

 

     (2)  Making a technical amendment to conform to the preferred drafting style.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Economic Development and Taxation that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2498, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2498, S.D. 1.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Economic Development and Taxation,

 

 

 

____________________________

CAROL FUKUNAGA, Chair