STAND. COM. REP. 3226

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2004

RE: H.B. No. 2844

H.D. 1

S.D. 1

 

 

Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2004

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 2844, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO CRYSTAL METHAMPHETAMINE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to provide additional funds for prevention and treatment programs for crystal methamphetamine.

More specifically, this measure increases the tobacco tax that goes into effect July 1, 2004, by an additional one-half cent to 7.5 cents, and allocates one cent of the proceeds of the tobacco tax for prevention and treatment programs and services for crystal methamphetamine.

Your Committee finds that the crystal methamphetamine, or "ice," epidemic in Hawaii has devastated the lives of many individuals and families, resulting in child and spousal abuse, increased crime, and homelessness. Your Committee also finds that earmarking a portion of the tobacco tax is an innovative option that will help fund critically needed crystal methamphetamine prevention and treatment programs.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2844, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

____________________________

BRIAN T. TANIGUCHI, Chair