STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1725-24

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2024

RE: H.C.R. No. 205

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 205 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII TO ADOPT AND PUBLICIZE A STATEWIDE EQUITY STATEMENT,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Urge the University of Hawaii to adopt and publicize a statewide equity statement; and

(2) Request the University of Hawaii to establish diversity, equity, and inclusion committees at each of its campuses.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the University of Hawaiʻi System. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from numerous individuals.

Your Committee finds that diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts by the University of Hawaii should be supported as other states actively seek to undermine efforts to make higher education equitable for all students.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 205 and recommends its adoption.

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

____________________________

DAVID A. TARNAS, Chair