STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1027

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.C.R. No. 155

       S.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 Judiciary and Labor, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 155 entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING A STUDY ON THE FEASIBILITY OF IMPLEMENTING A POWERBALL STATE LOTTERY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to request a study on the feasibility of implementing a Powerball state lottery.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from two individuals.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Hawaii Catholic Conference, Hawaii Family Forum, and one individual.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Legislative Reference Bureau.

     Your Committee finds that Hawaii is in the midst of an economic crisis.  Accordingly, the State must explore all options to make up cuts in general funds, particularly to ensure that sufficient funds are available for the education of Hawaii's children.  Participation in a multi-state lottery, such as the Powerball lottery, may provide a method of raising funds for this purpose.  Your Committee believes that a thorough study of this issue is appropriate.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Placing the responsibility of conducting the study on the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, as it is a more appropriate agency to consider and evaluate economic matters such as the feasibility of implementing a Powerball State lottery or Mega Millions lottery;

     (2)  Requesting that the Legislative Reference Bureau assist the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism in preparing its study and proposed Legislation;

     (3)  Amending its title to accurately reflect its contents; and

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

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary and Labor that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 155, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, in the form attached hereto as S.C.R. No. 155, S.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary and Labor,

____________________________

CLAYTON HEE, Chair