STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1531

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    S.C.R. No. 108

 

 

 

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2007

State of Hawaii

 

Madam:

 

     Your Committee on Intergovernmental and Military Affairs, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 108 entitled:

 

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO SUPPORT PASSAGE OF THE NATIONAL GUARD EMPOWERMENT ACT OF 2007,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this measure is to urge the United States Congress to pass the National Guard Empowerment Act of 2007.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from State Adjutant General, National Guard Association of Hawaii Insurance Trust, Hawaii National Guard Association, and Hawaii National Guard Enlisted Association.

 

     Your Committee finds that as the United States continues its war on terrorism, a strong and ready National Guard is vital in order to adequately address emergencies and military operations, both foreign and domestic.

 

     Your Committee further finds that the National Guard and Reserves currently comprise approximately forty-five per cent and fifty per cent of the military forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, respectively.

 

     Your Committee further finds that as the United States military continues to increase its reliance on the National Guard and Reserves, it is critical to consult with the State and National Guard leadership and require the National Guard to work with the states in order to identify gaps between federal and state capabilities in responding to emergencies.

 

     To this end, it is the intent of your Committee to support the National Guard Empowerment Act of 2007, which was introduced in the United States Senate, and is designed to make the National Guard a stronger and more responsible defense agency that will improve the nation's defense and improve the military's ability to support civilian authorities during domestic emergencies.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Intergovernmental and Military Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 108 and recommends its adoption.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Intergovernmental and Military Affairs,

 

 

 

____________________________

LORRAINE R. INOUYE, Chair