STAND. COM. REP. NO. 175

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 1300

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fifth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2009

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Education and Housing, to which was referred S.B. No. 1300 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE JUNIOR RESERVE OFFICERS' TRAINING CORPS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds for six instructor positions for Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps programs at high schools in the State.

     Testimony in support of this measure was submitted by one state agency and six individuals.  Copies of written testimony are available for review on the Legislature's website.

     Your Committee has heard that Lahainaluna, Kapolei, and Mililani High Schools are currently on waiting lists for establishment of a United States Navy or Army Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps Program.  These schools have completed the preliminary requirements to establish a program and will accept a program as soon as approved by either military service.  Based on federal law, the school is required to employ two retired military personnel whose pay is cost shared between the school and military service.  Your Committee finds that this measure will ensure that each school will be able to establish a Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program upon receiving an offer to host a program by either the United States Army or Navy.

     Your Committee has also heard impressive and moving testimony from several young people who currently serve in Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps programs in Hawaii.  They spoke not only of the leadership opportunities that the program provided them, but also about the lifeline it offers for students who are struggling with the temptations of drugs and gang involvement.  Your Committee is in strong support of the expansion of the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program that this measure would provide.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Education and Housing that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1300 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

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

____________________________

NORMAN SAKAMOTO, Chair