STAND. COM. REP. NO.  226

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2009

RE:   H.B. No. 905

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fifth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2009

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 905 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO NATIVE HAWAIIANS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this bill is to allow the Aha Kiole Advisory Committee (Committee) to fully establish the framework for an aha moku council system that uses Hawaiian methodology and expertise to ensure responsible stewardship of Hawaii's land and ocean by:

(1)  Extending the sunset date of the Committee from June 30, 2009, to June 30, 2011;

(2)  Moving the Committee from the Department of Land and Natural Resources to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs;

(3)  Appropriating funds for fiscal years 2009-2010 and 2010-2011, allowing the Committee to continue to perform its duties during those years; and

(4)  Requiring the Committee to submit an updated final report to the Legislature prior to the convening of the 2010 Regular Session.

     The Aha Kiole Advisory Committee, Ko'olaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club, and a concerned individual supported this bill.  The Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported this measure and suggested amendments.  Two concerned individuals opposed this bill.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 905 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Water, Land, & Ocean Resources.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Hawaiian Affairs,

____________________________

MELE CARROLL, Chair