STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1454-12

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2012

 

RE:   H.C.R. No. 119

 

 

 

 

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Sixth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2012

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Economic Revitalization & Business, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 119 entitled:

 

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE GOVERNOR TO PROPERLY SUPPORT THE SMALL BUSINESS REGULATORY REVIEW BOARD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND TOURISM IN ASSISTING HAWAII'S SMALL BUSINESSES,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this measure is to urge the Governor to:

 

(1)  Recognize the importance of the work conducted by the Small Business Regulatory Review Board; and

 

(2)  Provide adequate funding, office space, and staff to permit the Small Business Regulatory Review Board to continue assisting small businesses.

 

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Small Business Regulatory Review Board; the Hawaii Business League; Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation; and one individual.  The Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism submitted testimony supporting the intent of this measure.

 

     Your Committee finds that small businesses are an important driving force for Hawaii's economy.  One obstacle hindering the growth of small businesses in the State is burdensome administrative rules that disproportionately impact small businesses.  Your Committee finds that the Small Business Regulatory Review Board has helped small businesses by reducing the number and adverse impact of rules.

 

     Your Committee also finds that the Small Business Regulatory Review Board has faced budget and staff cuts including the elimination of the full-time Small Business Advocate position.  These cuts have increased the potential for harmful rules being enacted, placing the viability of many small businesses at risk.  Urging the Governor to recognize the importance of the Small Business Regulatory Review Board and to provide adequate funding will highlight the importance of providing the board with the resources necessary to continue assisting small businesses in the State.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Economic Revitalization & Business that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 119 and recommends that it be referred to the Committee on Finance.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Economic Revitalization & Business,

 

 

		____________________________ ANGUS L.K. McKELVEY, Chair