HI SCR231

Urges the Governor to provide adequate funding for the Small Business Regulatory Review Board under the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to support Hawaii's small businesses.

Notes that the Board serves as a watchdog to review state administrative rules and county ordinances that may adversely affect small businesses and recommend modifications to reduce regulatory burden.

Identifies that budget cuts and staff shortages have resulted in the elimination of the full-time Small Business Advocate position, with remaining duties absorbed by an already lean department staff.

States that further threatened reductions in funding for meeting transportation and mandated report printing and distribution severely undermine the Board's mission to assist small business owners.

Directs transmission of certified copies to the Governor, the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, and the Chairperson of the Small Business Regulatory Review Board.