STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1172-24

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2024

RE: S.B. No. 116

S.D. 1

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Culture, Arts, & International Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 116, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO SPECIAL NUMBER PLATES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to authorize the issuance of special number plates to commemorate Duke Kahanamoku.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Ikaika Hawaiʻi Watermans Academy; Hawaiian Lifeguard Association; Hoemana; Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation; and numerous individuals.

Your Committee finds that Duke Kahanamoku is one of the first internationally recognized Native Hawaiians, known for his contributions as an all-around waterman, a lifeguard and lifesaver, a record-setting swimmer, a five-time Olympic medalist, and Hawaii's original ambassador of aloha. Your Committee therefore finds it appropriate to honor Duke Kahanamoku with a special license plate emblazoned with his name, promoting his legacy of aloha.

Your Committee further finds that Hawaii has the second-highest drowning rate in the nation for residents and that drowning is the leading cause of death in Hawaii for keiki ages one to fifteen. The issuance of special number plates as proposed by this measure would not only honor Duke Kahanamoku and recognize his legacy of aloha but also generate funds for programs that promote water safety and swim education.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Changing its effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Culture, Arts, & International Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 116, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 116, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Culture, Arts, & International Affairs,

____________________________

ADRIAN K. TAM, Chair