STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1428-08

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2008

RE:   S.C.R. No. 47

      S.D. 1

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2008

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Public Safety & Military Affairs, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 47, S.D. 1, entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE TO COMMEMORATE THE HONORABLE SERVICE OF THE U.S. NAVY'S F-14 TOMCAT IN DEFENDING FREEDOM,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of the measure is to respectfully request the United States Postal Service to authorize production of a First Class stamp commemorating the honorable service of the F-14 Tomcat in defending freedom.

     Testimony in support of the measure was received from the F-14 Tomcat Association and eleven private citizens, including several former F-14 Tomcat Plane Captains.

     Your Committee wishes to recognize the exemplary service by the United States Navy's F-14 Tomcat fighter aircraft, a technological marvel that was in continuous active service from the height of the Cold War until its retirement in 2006.  During its thirty-five years of service, the F-14 became an icon of American ingenuity and a symbol of America's resolve to protect and perpetuate freedom.

     Your Committee further wishes to thank the men and women involved in the development, maintenance, and operation of the F-14 Tomcat for helping to keep America free throughout the Cold War.  The issuance of a commemorative stamp will help to preserve the legacy of the F-14 Tomcat, to honor the men and women who were a part of it, and to remind future generations of the sacrifices that were made for freedom.

     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. 47, S.D. 1, and recommends its adoption.

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

____________________________

CINDY EVANS, Chair