HB535.DOC

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the presence of the United States military in Hawaii contributes to maintaining the peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific region. Further, Hawaii's economy benefits from this presence in that the military expends approximately $5,600,000,000 annually in Hawaii and provides employment opportunities to approximately one hundred twenty-five thousand residents. Next to tourism, military expenditures are currently the largest source of revenues to Hawaii's economy.

The purpose of this Act is to establish a state office to serve as liaison in matters relating to the military and to provide oversight for the military's presence in Hawaii and the impact defense spending has on Hawaii's economy.

SECTION 2. The Hawaii Revised Statutes is amended by adding a new chapter to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"Chapter

office of military affairs

§ -1 Definitions. As used in this chapter:

"Board" means the military affairs board.

"Office" means the office of military affairs.

§ -2 Office of military affairs; establishment. (a) There is established within the office of the governor, on a special and temporary basis, the office of military affairs.

(b) The office shall be headed by the military affairs board. The board shall consist of nine members, of whom:

(1) Three members shall be appointed by the governor without regard to section 26-34;

(2) Three members shall be appointed by the president of the senate; and

(3) Three members shall be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives.

Vacancies in these positions shall be filled in the same manner as the initial appointment.

The members of the board shall serve for year terms, and shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for expenses, including travel expenses, necessary for the performance of their duties.

§ -3 Office of military affairs; duties and obligations. The office shall serve as liaison for the State in matters relating to the military in Hawaii. The office shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

(1) Serve as an advocate for the military and small businesses desiring to do business with the military and other federal agencies;

(2) Promote a strong and viable partnership between the state and county governments and the military commands;

(3) Build rapport with installation commanders and military communities;

(4) Facilitate business development opportunities for small businesses in defense and other federal contracting;

(5) Participate in discussions regarding the schooling of military children in Hawaii's public schools;

(6) Facilitate coordination with the state and county governments and private owners in providing the lands and resources needed by the military to fulfill its missions in defending and securing the United States against all enemies;

(7) Support the military in complying with federal and state laws on protecting and preserving Hawaii's natural resources, cultural sites, and artifacts; and

(8) Promote programs and activities to enhance the quality of life for military personnel and their families."

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2009-2010 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2010-2011 for the purposes of this Act.

The sums appropriated shall be expended by the office of the governor for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2009.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	535
TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2009
STATE OF HAWAII