Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-First State Legislature

Third Special Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 1 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to provide relief to families who, because of the economic crisis resulting from the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, need assistance to obtain the basic necessities of life. This bill appropriates the following sums from the Emergency Budget and Reserve Fund:

(1) $250,000 to provide food for the needy; and

(2) $1,000,000 for emergency shelter for the needy.

The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, ILWU Local 142, Health Care for the Homeless Project, National Association of Social Workers, Hawaii Chapter, Salvation Army Family Services Office, Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii, Hawaii Foodbank, National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, Mental Health Association in Hawaii, Kauai Economic Opportunity, Incorporated, Visitor Industry Coalition, and a concerned citizen testified in support of this bill.

The Office of the Governor, Housing and Community Development Corporation of Hawaii, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Kokua Council, Catholic Charities, Na Loio-Immigrant Rights and Public Interest Center, Hawaii Business Roundtable, Hawaii Together, Kauai Foodbank, and a concerned citizen supported the intent of this bill.

The Arc of Kauai, Hawaii Primary Care Association, Kauai United Way, Maui Non-Profit Directors, Affordable Housing and Homeless Alliance, Good Beginnings Alliance, and a concerned citizen commented on this bill.

The events of September 11^th not only had an impact on a national level but also affected the people of Hawaii, both directly and indirectly. As a result of these terrible acts, there has been a downturn in the national economy, as well as a dramatic decline in both the number of scheduled flights and the number of tourists coming to Hawaii. This has had a tremendous effect on Hawaii's families, as both tourism and non-tourism related industries have faltered, forcing many of Hawaii's people to file for unemployment.

Assisting Hawaii's families affected by this tragedy is one reason the Governor has convened a special session. The sense of ohana is an aspect of Hawaii that makes it such a special place. Hawaii's families have always been known for their generosity towards others, but many of them will not be able to support themselves during this economic downturn. Your Committee feels that it is imperative that programs be implemented to support our ohana in getting through these difficult times. This bill will help our ohana by providing emergency food and shelter for those in need in this time of economic turmoil.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1, H.D. 1, and be placed on the calendar for Third Reading.