STAND. COM. REP. NO. 210

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 269

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 269 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE BUDGET OF THE OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate moneys to fund the operating expenses of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs for the fiscal biennium beginning on 7/1/2025, and ending on 6/30/2027.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, Naʻalehu Theatre, The Spoehr Foundation, Waianae Coast Community Foundation, and thirty-nine individuals.

Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.

Your Committee finds that the Office of Hawaiian Affairs is a constitutionally established body responsible for protecting and promoting the rights of Native Hawaiians. This measure appropriates funds for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs' operating budget in support of plans for the upcoming biennium and is vital to fulfilling the mandates of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

Your Committee finds that the requested appropriation increases are necessary to adjust for the cost of inflation. Your Committee notes that the Office of Hawaiian Affairs' intent is to utilize the funds to fund thirteen new staff positions to accelerate implementation of its Mana I Mauli Ola strategic plan. The thirteen-member team will evaluate existing programs and develop new programs and tactics to advance ʻoiwi well-being and reduce disparities in health, housing, education and economic development, as set forth in the strategic plan.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Clarifying that general fund appropriations shall be expended by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs;

(2) Inserting an effective date of July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion; and

(3) 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 Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 269, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 269, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

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

________________________________

HERBERT RICHARDS, Chair