STAND. COM. REP. NO. 793

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 1520

       S.D. 2

Honorable Shan S. Tsutsui

President of the Senate

Twenty-Sixth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2011

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 1520, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO GOVERNMENT,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to provide a process for the reorganization of a first nation government by native Hawaiians and its subsequent recognition by the State.

     More specifically, this measure establishes a process for recognition and ratification of governing documents and an interim first nation governing council.  The measure also establishes a nine-member commission to prepare, maintain, and certify a roll of qualified native Hawaiian constituents.

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from Kitty M. Simonds, President, Maunalua Hawaiian Civic Club; and Vanda Hanakahi, Chair, Aha Kiole Advisory Committee.  Your Committee received written comments in opposition to this measure from The Hawaiian Kingdom; Ehu Kekahu Cardwell, Director, The Koani Foundation; KeAloha Aiu Aloha Aina Foundation; and twenty concerned individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

     Your Committee notes that this measure is intended to address the State's response to Congress's continued deliberation regarding the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Adding language that explicitly administratively attaches the commission to the Governor's office;

     (2)  Changing the effective date to July 1, 2050, to facilitate further discussion on the issue; and

     (3)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1520, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 1520, S.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

____________________________

DAVID Y. IGE, Chair