STAND. COM. REP. NO. 143-22

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2022

RE: H.B. No. 2302

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Pandemic & Disaster Preparedness, to which was referred H.B. No. 2302 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII SEA GRANT COLLEGE PROGRAM,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds for the continued operation and disaster preparedness outreach efforts of the University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program, Hawaii State Library System, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, Be Ready Manoa, and six individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Budget and Finance.

Your Committee finds that the University of Hawaii Sea Grant Program provides useful and potentially life saving tips regarding disaster preparedness for natural hazards such as tsunami, earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes. The Sea Grant Program has participated in numerous outreach campaigns and provided over thirty thousand copies of its "Homeowner's Handbook to Prepare for Natural Hazards," which can be obtained in various locations throughout the State. Your Committee believes this grant program provides an essential service to the public and should continue its educational and outreach disaster preparedness programs.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Changing the effective date to July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion; and

(2) 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 Pandemic & Disaster Preparedness that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2302, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2302, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Higher Education & Technology.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Pandemic & Disaster Preparedness,

____________________________

LINDA ICHIYAMA, Chair