Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-First State Legislature

Third Special Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 13 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to promote higher education and health care and assist our construction industry by:

The Department of Budget and Finance, Hawaii Business Roundtable, Visitor Industry Coalition, General Contractors Association of Hawaii, Pacific Resource Partnership, University of Hawaii, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Cancer Research

Center of Hawaii, Hawaii Community Development Authority, Kakaako Improvement Association, Hawaii Biotechnology Group, Inc., Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, Victoria Ward, Ltd., Healthcare Association of Hawaii, and the Pacific Resource Partnership submitted testimony in support of this bill. The American Lung Association of Hawaii submitted testimony in support of the intent of this bill. The Hawaii Nurses' Association, American Heart Association, and Coalition for a Tobacco Free Hawaii submitted testimony in opposition to this bill. The American Cancer Society, Hui Olelo, and an individual submitted comments on this bill. One individual submitted testimony requesting that this bill be deferred to the regular session.

The events of September 11, 2001, have had a tremendous influence on both the state and national economies, unexpectedly affecting the livelihood of millions of citizens. Tourism, Hawaii's principal industry, accounts for nearly $10.9 billion in general revenues each year and was severely impacted by these attacks. The number of travelers to the State has decreased by twenty to fifty percent, which has not only affected the tourism industry but the economy of the entire State.

Dealing with this economic crisis is one reason the Governor has convened a special session. Your Committee feels that in order to avoid an economic catastrophe, the State must strengthen and diversify the economy through fiscally responsible investments. The construction and eventual operation of the Center is one part of this economic stimulus package, and will create jobs and enhance Hawaii's position as a national center of education and health care.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 13 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be placed on the calendar for Third Reading.