STAND. COM. REP. NO. 652

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 260

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2007

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Tourism and Government Operations, to which was referred S.B. No. 260 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HOLIDAYS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to recognize September 21 of each year as "Peace Day."

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Retail Merchants of Hawaii; Buddhist Study Center; The League of Women Voters of Hawaii; Hawaii State Teachers Association; Jodo Mission of Hawaii; Wahiawa Lions Club, Inc.; Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii; Domestic Violence Clearinghouse and Legal Hotline; Junior Young Buddhist Association; and five individuals.

     The intent of annually recognizing a Peace Day is to promote peace programs, improve international relations, and increase educational awareness of peace.  This measure does not make Peace Day a holiday.

     Peace Day has its origins in "The International Day of Peace" which was celebrated on September 21, 2006, in two hundred countries and 3,500 peace day events, including all one hundred ninety-two members of the United Nations.  The purpose was to promote a global movement for a culture of peace.  Especially in these dangerous and turbulent times, your Committee believes there is a need to consciously and actively focus on the goals of peace for all mankind.  This measure would bring it to the consciousness of citizens of the State once a year.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Tourism and Government Operations that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 260 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be placed on the calendar for Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Tourism and Government Operations,

____________________________

CLARENCE K. NISHIHARA, Chair