STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2901

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.C.R. No. 22

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2008

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Education, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 22 entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING PATSY TAKEMOTO MINK FOR CHAMPIONING THE CAUSE OF EQUITY IN ATHLETICS ON BEHALF OF ALL WOMEN IN THE UNITED STATES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to recognize Patsy Takemoto Mink for her work in championing the cause of equity in athletics on behalf of all women in the United States.

     Testimony in support of the measure was submitted by the Department of Education and one individual.

     Your Committee finds that Congresswoman Patsy Takemoto Mink left an indelible mark on the hearts and lives of the people of Hawaii and throughout the country.  She was a dedicated public servant who, during her thirty-three-year political career, served in the Hawaii Territorial House and Senate, the Hawaii State Senate, the Honolulu City Council, and the United States House of Representatives.  Congresswoman Mink is remembered as a champion of the rights of immigrants, minorities, women, families, and children.  She herself struggled to overcome gender and racial prejudices and injustices to emerge as one of the most influential leaders of her generation.

     Your Committee further finds that Congresswoman Mink's most prominent accomplishment was co-authoring the landmark Title IX Amendment of the Higher Education Act, which prohibits gender discrimination by federally funded educational institutions and guarantees equal federal support for women in academics and athletics.  Your Committee determines that it is appropriate to recognize and honor Congresswoman Mink for her contributions to broadening the educational opportunities for girls and women through her fight for equity in women's athletic programs in American high schools, colleges, and universities.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Education that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 22 and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Education,

____________________________

NORMAN SAKAMOTO, Chair