STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3827

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.C.R. No. 32

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 32 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS TO IDENTIFY THE SCOPE OF NATIVE HAWAIIAN CULTURAL APPROPRIATENESS FOR THE PURPOSE OF ADDRESSING NATIVE HAWAIIAN DISPARITIES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to request the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to identify the scope of Native Hawaiian cultural appropriateness for the purpose of addressing Native Hawaiian disparities with emphasis on the following priority areas:

(1) Native Hawaiian economic development needs;

(2) Native Hawaiian education needs;

(3) Native Hawaiian health needs; and

(4) Native Hawaiian housing needs.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and two individuals.

Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.

Your Committee finds that the State, on condition of its admission into the Union, was entrusted with continuously pursuing the betterment of conditions of Native Hawaiians. However, Native Hawaiians continue to confront pronounced disparities and inequities in crucial aspects of life that are the consequences of enduring structural racism rooted in historical injustices. Your Committee further finds that the State lacks a comprehensive guiding document on Native Hawaiian cultural appropriateness to inform decision-making in an inclusive, respectful, and effective manner that is sensitive to Native Hawaiian cultural identity and heritage in accordance with the interests and aspirations of Native Hawaiians. Your Committee therefore believes that the Office of Hawaiian Affairs should conduct a study identifying the scope of Native Hawaiian cultural appropriateness to address the disparities Native Hawaiians face in all aspects of life.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 32, and recommends its adoption.

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

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MAILE S.L. SHIMABUKURO, Chair