STAND. COM. REP. NO. 129-24

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2024

RE: H.B. No. 2231

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 2231 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO LAW ENFORCEMENT,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish as a goal of the State the increased representation of female law enforcement officers in the State by 2030 and require each law enforcement agency to recruit law enforcement officers from diverse backgrounds.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Law Enforcement; Honolulu Police Department; State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers; American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii; and one individual. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from two individuals.

Your Committee finds that the increased employment of women and minorities in law enforcement agencies has been linked to the use of less force and the development of greater trust by the public and those specifically impacted by crime when compared to that of male law enforcement officers. This measure will promote the increased recruitment of women and minority law enforcement officials within the State by 2030.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2231 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs,

____________________________

DAVID A. TARNAS, Chair