STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2178

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.C.R. No. 216

H.D. 1

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Higher Education, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 216, H.D. 1, entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF COLLEGE ESPORTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to support the development of college esports at the University of Hawaii.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the University of Hawai‘i System and ten individuals.

Your Committee finds that electronic sports, more commonly known as esports, are video game competitions, often in organized, multiplayer video games, among professional players, individually, or as teams. Over one hundred colleges in North America have started scholarship-based esports programs that foster and develop innovative educational and work opportunities, sportsmanship, discipline, dedication, and awareness and education to avoid unhealthy gaming habits. The creation of a University of Hawaii esports program can promote career development, research, and competition amongst other universities and provide educational support for students who are interested in the growing digital gaming industry.

Your Committee has amended this measure by 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 Higher Education that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 216, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends its adoption in the form attached hereto as H.C.R. No. 216, H.D. 1, S.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Higher Education,

________________________________

DONNA MERCADO KIM, Chair