Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Third Special Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 1, H.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to provide funding for food and emergency shelter to assist those in need as a result of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Specifically, this bill appropriates $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2001-2002 from the emergency budget and reserve fund to provide food for Hawaii's needy through grants-in-aid. The bill also appropriates $1,000,000 in 2001-2002 to provide financial assistance that addresses the housing needs of Hawaii's needy. Neither of the two appropriations may be expended for administrative purposes. The expenditure of both appropriated amounts is subject to financial audits by the Legislative Auditor. The Office of Community Services of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations and the Housing and Community Development Corporation are required to submit detailed expenditure reports to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2002.

The events of September 11th 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.

Your Committee believes that the grant-in-aid in section 3 of the bill is for services statewide to provide food to those who are in need due to the sudden downturn in the State's economy.

Your Committee recognizes that federal funds may become available to address unmet community needs beyond the scope of this bill. Your Committee recommends and encourages the Governor to consult with various public and private agencies that may have data identifying the needs in the community as a result of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and that may be able to monitor the nature and level of the needs across the State.

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