STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3316

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.C.R. No. 34

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2016

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 34 entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO SUPPORT LEGISLATION GRANTING BUDGET AUTONOMY, LEGISLATIVE AUTONOMY, AND STATEHOOD TO THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to urge the United States Congress to enact federal legislation or propose a constitutional amendment granting budget autonomy, legislative autonomy, and statehood to the District of Columbia.

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from one individual.

     Your Committee finds that the residents of the District of Columbia pay federal taxes, serve on federal juries, and are members of the United States Armed Forces.  Despite the various ways residents contribute to our nation, the District of Columbia does not share all the privileges enjoyed by the fifty states.  Unlike the states, the District of Columbia's budget is subject to approval and interference from Congress, and the District of Columbia does not have voting rights in Congress.  Your Committee believes that the residents of the District of Columbia should be granted the same rights and privileges enjoyed by residents of states.

     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 concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 34 and recommends its adoption.

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

________________________________

JILL N. TOKUDA, Chair