STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3463

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 2955

       H.D. 1

       S.D. 1

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2008

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 2955, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ARCHAEOLOGICAL DATA,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to establish an archaeological data survey as an online database program under the State of Hawaii Museum of Natural and Cultural History.

     More specifically, the measure provides online access to a range of Hawaiian archeological information for the benefit of archaeologists, researchers, educators, and the public.  The measure authorizes the Museum, in consultation with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and the State Historic Preservation Division of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, to withhold information from the database if disclosure poses a threat to a site or artifact.

     Testimony in support of the measure was received from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Bishop Museum, and two private individuals.  The Board of Land and Natural Resources submitted comments.

     Your Committee finds that establishing an online database for the collection and dissemination of important archaeological information would increase awareness of traditional Hawaiian material culture and facilitate improved preservation of Hawaiian archeological resources.  In touting the benefits of online access to information, your Committee also recognizes the importance of safeguarding confidential and sensitive information regarding Hawaii's historic and cultural sites, as permitted by this measure.

     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. 2955, 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,

____________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair