STAND. COM. REP. NO.  475

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2015

RE:   H.B. No. 1153

Honorable Joseph M. Souki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2015

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred H.B. No. 1153 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO VETERANS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to recognize the sacrifices made by members of the armed services by exempting certain totally and permanently disabled veterans from paying motor vehicle registration expenses.

The Advisory Board to the Office of Veterans' Services, Military Officers Association of America-Hawaii Chapter, and several concerned individuals testified in support of this measure.  The Office of Veterans Services supported the intent of this measure.  The Department of Transportation and Tax Foundation of Hawaii provided comments.

     Your Committee finds that the men and women of our armed forces have served valiantly in support of the United States.  Many of these veterans have sacrificed much, which has resulted in their becoming totally and permanently disabled.  Oftentimes, these veterans are hindered in their pursuit of employment due to their disability and their fixed income generally falls short of their cost-of-living.  Your Committee finds that exempting certain totally and permanently disabled veterans from paying motor vehicle registration expenses would improve the quality of life for these veterans and their dependents and is a small token of appreciation for their service to our country.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1153 and recommends that it be referred to the Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation,

____________________________

HENRY J.C. AQUINO, Chair