STAND. COM. REP. NO. 425

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2023

RE: H.B. No. 499

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Culture, Arts & International Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 499 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO SPECIAL NUMBER PLATES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to authorize the issuance of special number plates to commemorate Duke Kahanamoku and to raise money for water safety and swim education.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Honolulu Emergency Services Department, Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation, Hawaii Aquatics Foundation, and one individual.

Your Committee finds that ocean and water safety programs across our islands are led by nongovernmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, volunteers, and even off-duty county lifeguards. The Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation exists to perpetuate the legacy and spirit of Duke Kahanamoku and gives scholarships and grants in Hawaii related to water sports, volleyball, and water safety. Despite being home to water sports athletes renowned for excellence in water sports, Hawaii is ranked second in the nation for its drowning rate among residents. This measure will honor the legacy of Duke Kahanamoku while generating revenue to help prevent future drownings through increased ocean and water safety and swim education.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Changing the effective date to June 30, 3000, 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 Culture, Arts & International Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 499, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 499, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Culture, Arts & International Affairs,

____________________________

ADRIAN K. TAM, Chair