STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2375
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: S.B. No. 2740
Honorable Colleen Hanabusa
President of the Senate
Twenty-Fifth State Legislature
Regular Session of 2010
State of Hawaii
Madam:
Your Committee on Economic Development and Technology, to which was referred S.B. No. 2740 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO SAINT DAMIEN DE VEUSTER DAY,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to reflect Saint Damien's recent confirmation of sainthood, and mark May 10 of each year as Saint Damien de Veuster Day in Hawaii.
Testimony in support of this measure was submitted by the Lieutenant Governor, the Diocese of Honolulu, Parents and Children Together, and Saint Damien Boy Scouts.
Written testimony presented to the Committee may be reviewed on the Legislature's website.
Your Committee finds that on May 10, 1873, Father Jozef Damien de Veuster arrived in Kalaupapa to meet the spiritual needs of those suffering from Hansen's disease and other members of the community. Until his death on April 15, 1889, he served in many different capacities, including doctor, carpenter, legal advocate and grave digger. His legacy lives on and Damien remains a spiritual hero and an icon of love, compassion, courage, humility and humanitarian service.
On October 11, 2009, Father Damien was canonized as Saint Damien by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI in Rome, and was granted a memorial feast day to be celebrated annually on May 10. Your Committee is strongly supportive of this measure to honor Saint Damien.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Economic Development and Technology that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2740 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be placed on the calendar for Third Reading.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Economic Development and Technology,
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____________________________ CAROL FUKUNAGA, Chair |
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