STAND. COM. REP. NO. 835

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 491

       H.D. 1

Honorable Shan S. Tsutsui

President of the Senate

Twenty-Sixth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2011

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Public Safety, Government Operations, and Military Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 491, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC SAFETY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to require the Department of Public Safety to seek and obtain accreditation for the Sheriff Division from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Public Safety and eight individuals.

     The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., created in 1979, serves as a law enforcement credentialing authority through collaboration with law enforcement executive associations.  Honolulu and Maui Police Departments are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc.  Your Committee recognizes that law enforcement officers, such as those in the Sheriff Division, have tremendous responsibilities, making the receipt of proper training, equipment, and organizational support imperative. 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Public Safety, Government Operations, and Military Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 491, H.D. 1, 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 Public Safety, Government Operations, and Military Affairs,

____________________________

WILL ESPERO, Chair