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. 15 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to address the growing number of unemployed individuals by:

Testimony in support of this measure was provided by the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Visitor Industry Coalition, Hawaii Business Roundtable, three members of the Maui County Council, one member of the Hawaii County Council, the Mayor of Hawaii County, Maui Invasive Species Committee, International Longshoremen Workers Union Local 142, Maui Hotel Association, Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, Sierra Club, Hawaii Chapter, Hawaii Export Nursery Association, and four concerned citizens. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, City and County of Honolulu Department of Community Services, and Hawaii Pest Control Association supported the intent of this bill.

The events of September 11th not only had an impact on a national level but also affected the people of Hawaii, both

directly and indirectly. As a result of these terrible acts,

there has been a downturn in the national economy, as well as a dramatic decline in both the number of scheduled flights and the number of tourists coming to Hawaii. This has had a tremendous effect on Hawaii's families, as both tourism and non-tourism related industries have faltered, forcing many of Hawaii's people to file for unemployment benefits.

Assisting Hawaii's families affected by this tragedy is one reason the Governor has convened a special session. The sense of ohana is an aspect of Hawaii that makes it such a special place. Hawaii's families have always been known for their generosity towards others but many of them will not be able to support themselves during this economic downturn.

The Emergency Environmental Workforce will not only provide employment, but also protect and enhance Hawaii's fragile environment by:

(1) Isolating the spread of dengue fever;

(3) Reducing coqui frog and fire ant populations.

Your Committee finds that it is imperative that the Emergency Environmental Workforce be established to provide jobs and support our ohana in getting through these difficult times.

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. 15 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be placed on the calendar for Third Reading.