STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3650

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.C.R. No. 40

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2016

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 40 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE PROVIDE EIGHT-PERSON FIRING PARTIES (SEVEN MEMBERS AND THE FIRING PARTY NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER IN CHARGE) AT THE FUNERALS OF ALL AIR FORCE VETERANS AND RETIREES WHO WERE DISCHARGED OR RELEASED UNDER CONDITIONS OTHER THAN DISHONORABLE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to request that the Secretary of the Air Force provide eight-person firing parties at the funerals of all United States Air Force veterans and retirees who were discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of Veterans' Services and two individuals.

     Your Committee finds that the branches of the United States Armed Forces that perform funeral honors for eligible veterans and retirees in Hawaii historically include an honors detail consisting of two individuals to fold and present the internment flag, one individual to play Taps, and a firing team to perform a three-volley salute at the funeral.  As of December 1, 2015, the United States Air Force reduced their honors detail at funerals for veterans to eliminate the firing team while the firing team is still required for funerals of active duty Air Force members.  Your Committee further finds that Air Force veterans and retirees have earned the gratitude of the nation through their service and deserve complete honors details at the occasion of their funerals.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 40, and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs,

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CLARENCE K. NISHIHARA, Chair