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89 - 90

HR001

Resolve: HR001

Year: 89

Source Bill: HR1

Source Root: HR0001

HOUSE RESOLVE NO. 001

Establishing a House Special Committee on Foreign Trade.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:

WHEREAS enhancing foreign trade is of increasing importance to the economy of the state; and

WHEREAS the legislature should be well informed about developments in foreign trade in order to plan for the state's future; and

WHEREAS the state should promote and facilitate foreign markets for the products and services of the state; and

WHEREAS the establishment of foreign trade zones is an important part of the state's efforts to diversify the economy and participate in international trade;

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives that a House Special Committee on Foreign Trade is established to study issues relating to foreign trade; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the speaker of the House of Representatives shall appoint members of the house to serve on the committee; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the House Special Committee on Foreign Trade may meet during and between sessions of the legislature and is terminated on the convening of the First Session of the Seventeenth Alaska State Legislature.

HR002

Resolve: HR002

Year: 89

Source Bill: HR4

Source Root: HR0004

HOUSE RESOLVE NO. 002

Relating to Alaska Statebank.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:

WHEREAS Alaska Statebank, a state chartered bank that has been in business in the state for 40 years, has long been considered one of the pioneer community banks in Alaska; and

WHEREAS because of this pioneering role, Alaska Statebank has histor- ically been a major contributor to Alaska's overall progress and economic development; and

WHEREAS the recent drop in the world market price of crude oil has had a strong adverse effect on Alaska's economy as a whole and a severe adverse effect on smaller communities in particular; and

WHEREAS this economic downturn throughout Alaska has caused several smaller banking institutions to fail; and

WHEREAS the same economic situation has caused Alaska Statebank to suffer substantial financial distress; and

WHEREAS Alaska Statebank has filed an application with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation under 12 U.S.C. 1823(c) (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Act) for assistance in connection with a proposed recapitalization of the bank; and

WHEREAS, with the aid of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in reorganization and recapitalization, it is likely that Alaska Statebank will attract an infusion of private capital from in-state investors; and

WHEREAS the Alaskan public would continue to be well served by the operation of Alaska Statebank if assistance is provided to the bank; and

WHEREAS reorganization of Alaska Statebank may relieve the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation of the otherwise necessary burden of managing delinquent loan accounts; BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives supports Alaska Statebank's request to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation for assistance; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the House of Representatives respectfully urges the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the state Division of Banking, Securities and Corporations to give full consideration to Alaska Statebank's proposal for assistance.

COPIES of this resolution shall be sent to the Honorable Willis Kirkpatrick, the Director of the Division of Banking, Securities, and Corporations of the Alaska Department of Commerce and Economic Development; to the Honorable L. William Seldman, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; and to the Honorable Alan Greenspan, Chair of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve Board; and to the Honorable Ted Stevens and the Honorable Frank Murkowski, U.S. Senators, and the Honorable Don Young, U.S. Representative, members of the Alaska delegation in Congress.

HR003

Resolve: HR003

Year: 89

Source Bill: CSHR2(RES)

Source Root: HR0002

HOUSE RESOLVE NO. 003

Supporting the development of Hatcher Pass Ski Area.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:

WHEREAS the State has made a commitment to the development of the tourism industry in Alaska; and

WHEREAS the Hatcher Pass area of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough has long been considered a premium location for an international class alpine ski area; and

WHEREAS the potential exists for Hatcher Pass to become an international destination resort with recreational, residential, and commercial facilities; and

WHEREAS several Olympic ski teams have travelled to the Hatcher Pass area to train for the Olympics; and

WHEREAS the Hatcher Pass Management Plan developed by the Department of Natural Resources, in conjunction with a citizen advisory committee, recognizes the superb potential for recreational and ski area development; and

WHEREAS Mitsui & Co., Ltd. of Japan entered into a 55-year lease agreement with the Department of Natural Resources for future development of the Hatcher Pass Ski Area; and

WHEREAS Mitsui & Co., Ltd. has prepared a Conceptual Development Plan to introduce the citizens of Alaska to the company's ideas for development of the Hatcher Pass Ski Area; and

WHEREAS the Conceptual Development Plan has been submitted for approval to the Department of Natural Resources; and

WHEREAS Mitsui & Co., Ltd. has encouraged and solicited public comment on this plan;

BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives supports the commitment of Mitsui & Co., Ltd. to the development of the Hatcher Pass Ski Area; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the House of Representatives supports Mitsui & Co., Ltd. in its plan to develop a year-round international destination resort at Hatcher Pass.

HR004

Resolve: HR004

Year: 89

Source Bill: HR6

Source Root: HR0006

HOUSE RESOLVE NO. 004

Establishing a House Special Committee on Tourism.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:

WHEREAS tourism is of increasing importance to the economy of the state; and

WHEREAS the legislature should be well informed about developments in tourism in order to plan for the state's future; and

WHEREAS the state should promote tourism and enhance opportunities for visitors to experience Alaskan life and scenic grandeur; and

WHEREAS the future of tourism in the state may be affected by the March 1989 oil spill in Prince William Sound;

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives that a House Special Committee on Tourism is established to study issues relating to tourism; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the speaker of the House shall determine the number of representatives to be members of the committee, and shall appoint the members and designate a member to chair the committee; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the House Special Committee on Tourism may meet during and between sessions of the Sixteenth Alaska State Legislature, and is terminated on the convening of the First Session of the Seventeenth Alaska State Legislature.

HR005

Resolve: HR005

Year: 89

Source Bill: HR8

Source Root: HR0008

HOUSE RESOLVE NO. 005

Relating to support for public transportation in Alaska, for the Rural Transportation Equity Act of 1989, and opposition to reduction of the Urban Mass Transit Administration's 1990 budget proposal.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:

WHEREAS in addition to the transit system found in Alaska's largest city, Anchorage, most of the medium size cities and many rural communities have bus and van lines supported only by state and local resources; and

WHEREAS there is a substantial imbalance in the funding authorized by the Congress for transportation services in urban and rural areas; and

WHEREAS under present law, communities with populations under 50,000 receive less than three percent of the transit funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation; and

WHEREAS the Congress should be concerned about public transportation generally and not only urban transportation; and

WHEREAS in 1989 the Congress offered only $66,200,000 in mass transit funds to rural America while making more than $168,000,000 available to Washington, D.C.; and

WHEREAS legislation has been introduced in the Congress that would double the share of Urban Mass Transit Administration (UMTA) Section 18 grants for the construction and operation of public transit systems in communities of fewer than 50,000 people; and

WHEREAS the legislation would also establish a state-administered block grant program for rural areas and small cities and seek federal subsidies for "essential bus service" on otherwise unprofitable bus routes; and

WHEREAS a doubling of the funds available would still not represent equity to the rural areas because that doubling would involve only six percent of amounts available under UMTA's formula grant budget; and

WHEREAS the Administration has proposed a 50 percent reduction in UMTA's 1990 budget proposal;

BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives supports the Rural Transportation Equity Act of 1989 and the concept that equity requires the rural areas of the Nation to receive a proportionate amount of the funds made available by the Congress for public transportation; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the House of Representatives opposes the Administration's proposal to decrease the amounts available for public transportation.

COPIES of this resolution shall be sent to the Honorable Dan Quayle, Vice-President of the United States and President of the U.S. Senate; the Honorable Jim Wright, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives; and to the Honorable Ted Stevens and the Honorable Frank Murkowski, U.S. Senators, and the Honorable Don Young, U.S. Representative, members of the Alaska delegation in Congress.

HR006

Resolve: HR006

Year: 89

Source Bill: HR10

Source Root: HR0010

HOUSE RESOLVE NO. 006

Relating to a Liability Insurance Task Force.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:

WHEREAS the state and its political subdivisions, as well as many individuals in the private sector are faced with increasing insurance costs; and

WHEREAS tort reform involves civil procedure statutes, insurance statutes, case law developed by the courts over several centuries, many common-law doctrines, and practices of both the insurance industry and attorneys in the state; and

WHEREAS a comprehensive review of existing statutes, case law, insurance and legal practices, and the relationship between the cost of insurance and the civil justice system is needed in order to determine how the state may more effectively regulate insurance and provide civil justice;

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives that a Liability Insurance Task Force is established to study state statutes, case law, practices of the insurance and legal fields, and the relationship between insurance costs and civil justice; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall recommend to the legislature any changes to the statutes appropriate and necessary for reducing insurance costs and improving civil justice; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the chairs of the House Judiciary Committee, Labor and Commerce Committee, and Health, Education and Social Services Committee shall be members of the task force, and that the speaker of the house shall appoint as members of the task force an appropriate number of members of the House majority and minority, and an appropriate number of persons who are involved in tort reform issues, or who are involved in insurance or civil justice; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the terms of the task force members shall begin July 1, 1989, and that the task force shall terminate January 31, 1990; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall submit a report of its findings and proposed legislation to the legislature by January 31, 1990; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the administrative and legal services of the Legislative Affairs Agency shall be made available to the task force.

HR007

Resolve: HR007

Year: 89

Source Bill: HR11

Source Root: HR0011

HOUSE RESOLVE NO. 007

Relating to emergency measures for fishery enhancement and rehabilitation.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:

WHEREAS the recent oil spill disaster caused by the Exxon Valdez tanker accident is of great concern to the citizens of the state as well as the Alaska State House of Representatives; and

WHEREAS serious environmental damage has been done to the fishery resources in the areas affected by the oil spill; and

WHEREAS emergency measures for fishery enhancement and rehabilitation could be taken to mitigate the damage to these resources;

BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives encourages Exxon Corporation to provide direct funding to the state, local aquaculture associations, or local governments for emergency measures for fishery enhancement and rehabilitation.

COPIES of this resolution shall be sent to the Honorable George Bush, President of the United States; the Honorable Dan Quayle, Vice-President of the United States and President of the U.S. Senate; the Honorable Robert C. Byrd, President Pro Tem of the United States Senate; the Honorable Jim Wright, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives; the Honorable Manuel Lujan, Secretary of the Interior; Samuel K. Skinner, Secretary of Transportation; Admiral Paul A. Yost, Jr., Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard; Robert E. Kallman, Director, Minerals Management Service; the Honorable Dennis D. Kelso, Commissioner of Environmental Conservation; the Honorable Don W. Collinsworth, Commissioner of Fish and Game; the Honorable Lennie Boston-Gorsuch, Commissioner of Natural Resources; Laurence Rawl, Chair of the Board of Directors of Exxon Corporation; the mayors of the communities of Valdez, Cordova, Tatitlik, Chenega, the Kenai Borough, and the Kodiak Borough; Howard Weaver, the managing editor of the Anchorage Daily News; and to the Honorable Ted Stevens and the Honorable Frank Murkowski, U.S. Senators, and the Honorable Don Young, U.S. Representative, members of the Alaska delegation in Congress.

HR008

Resolve: HR008

Year: 90

Source Bill: HR14AM

Source Root: HR0014

HOUSE RESOLVE NO. 008

Denouncing plea negotiations between the federal government and Exxon Corporation.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:

WHEREAS the State of Alaska, its resources, and its citizens have incurred substantial damages and costs because of the March 24, 1989, EXXON VALDEZ oil spill; and

WHEREAS it has been the policy of the state to pursue a vigorous effort to recover full, fair, and just compensation for the damages and costs incurred by the state, its resources, and its citizens; and

WHEREAS the state has, in the past, received repeated assurances from the federal government that it will also pursue oil spill compensation vigorously and in full cooperation with the state; and

WHEREAS federal officials have confirmed that the federal government is negotiating with the Exxon Corporation to resolve pending criminal charges related to the oil spill through a plea agreement; and

WHEREAS it appears that as a result of the proposed plea agreement the ability of the federal government to pursue a full recovery of oil spill costs and damages will be substantially restricted; and

WHEREAS, according to the state attorney general, the federal government has demanded that the state agree to be bound by the terms of the plea agreement and the state has refused; and

WHEREAS, according to the state attorney general, federal officials have stated that, in light of the state's refusal to accede to federal demands to be bound by the plea agreement, it will no longer cooperate with the state in pursuing a full, fair, and just recovery for the oil spill damages and costs;

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives that on behalf of the people of the State of Alaska, we call upon the federal government to renounce its proposed pact with the Exxon Corporation and to reaffirm its intent to fully cooperate with the state in pursuit of a full, fair, and just recovery for the damages done to the people and the state's resources by the EXXON VALDEZ oil spill.

COPIES of this resolution shall be sent to the Honorable Richard L. Thornburgh, Attorney General of the United States; Edward S. G. Dennis, Jr., Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, U. S. Department of Justice; Richard B. Stewart, Assistant Attorney General, Land and Natural Resources Division, U.S. Department of Justice; and to the Honorable Ted Stevens and the Honorable Frank Murkowski, U.S. Senators, and the Honorable Don Young, U.S. Representative, members of the Alaska delegation in Congress.

HR009

Resolve: HR009

Year: 90

Source Bill: HR13AM

Source Root: HR0013

HOUSE RESOLVE NO. 009

Relating to a ban on smoking and use of alcohol in the chambers and committee rooms of the House of Representatives.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:

WHEREAS the Surgeon General of the United States has reported that smoking is hazardous to human health; and

WHEREAS many studies show that tobacco smoke can also be harmful to nonsmokers in the immediate area of smokers; and

WHEREAS the state has shown its concern for limiting tobacco use by minors by prohibiting minors from buying tobacco products and prohibiting persons from selling or giving tobacco products to minors; and

WHEREAS legislators should be role models for the youth of the state and further encourage them not to smoke by personal example; and

WHEREAS current state law declares that smoking in any form is a nuisance and a public health hazard that is prohibited in the House chambers and rooms where public meetings are held except where designated by the House Rules Committee;

BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives respectfully requests the House Rules Committee to

(1) ban all smoking and use of alcohol in the House chambers and House committee rooms when public meetings are in progress;

(2) accommodate the needs of legislators and other persons who are smokers in other suitable ways as determined by the Rules Committee.

HR010

Resolve: HR010

Year: 90

Source Bill: HR16AM

Source Root: HR0016

HOUSE RESOLVE NO. 010

Requesting the Alaska Supreme Court to extend the stay in McDowell v. State.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:

WHEREAS the legislature has been called into special session in an effort to resolve the subsistence priority crisis facing the state as a result of the decision in McDowell v. State, 785 P.2d 1 (Alaska 1989), and the legislature remains in session struggling with this difficult issue;

BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives respectfully requests the Alaska Supreme Court to extend the order staying the effect of its decision in McDowell v. State, 785 P.2d 1 (Alaska 1989), until the legislature completes its work on the subsistence priority issue and adjourns from the special session, and, if a measure is adopted, for at least five additional working days to enable the governor and the United States Department of the Interior to determine whether the legislation is consistent with the subsistence priority in 16 U.S.C. 3112 - 3115.

COPIES of this resolution shall be sent to the Honorable Warren W. Matthews, Chief Justice of the Alaska Supreme Court.

LR001

Resolve: LR001

Year: 89

Source Bill: CSSJR13(RES)

Source Root: SJR013

LEGISLATIVE RESOLVE NO. 001

Requesting the Pacific Salmon Commission to increase Alaska's chinook salmon quota.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:

WHEREAS chinook salmon fisheries were placed under a quota in 1985 by the Pacific Salmon Commission to rebuild depressed chinook salmon stocks coastwide by 1998; and

WHEREAS chinook salmon stocks subject to the quota in Southeast Alaska, for which Alaska shares management responsibility, are responding far better than anticipated at this early date; in 1982, eight percent of the indicator chinook salmon stocks met the established escapement goals, while in 1987 that number increased to 42 percent, and from 1982 to 1987 79 percent of all indicator chinook salmon stocks have shown increases in escapement; and

WHEREAS the abundance of chinook salmon in Southeast Alaska waters has significantly exceeded the population-rebuilding projections of the United States-Canada Salmon Treaty, as evidenced by the increase in the daily catch rate during the 1988 season to 108 percent above the daily catch rate during the 1986 season; and

WHEREAS many economic sectors in Southeast Alaska have suffered substantial economic declines under chinook salmon harvest quotas; and

WHEREAS the Southeast Alaska summer chinook salmon troll season has been reduced from 169 days in 1979 to only 12 in 1988; and

WHEREAS longer seasons benefit the Southeast Alaska fishing industry by ensuring higher quality fish products and greater market availability; and

WHEREAS processors are losing markets for chinook salmon and are unable to fill orders due to such short fishing seasons; and

WHEREAS the shortened season results in area closures for chinook salmon fisheries and in disastrous economic effects on specific Southeast Alaska communities; and

WHEREAS treaty agreements have shortened the Southeast Alaska troll season so much that Alaskan hatchery fish cannot be harvested at the rate anticipated; and

WHEREAS due to increased chinook salmon harvests in fisheries not subject to a harvest quota and increased federal hatchery production of chinook salmon the fishermen of Canada, Washington, and Oregon have enjoyed increased harvests above treaty expectations in some of the fisheries harvesting the same chinook salmon stocks taken in Alaska; however, there has not been any increase in the chinook salmon quota in Alaska; and

WHEREAS the Southeast Alaska summer chinook salmon troll season was initially reduced by the state in 1980 prior to treaty implementation so that Alaska has contributed disproportionately more to the coastwide rebuilding program; and

WHEREAS a fair increase in the Southeast Alaska chinook salmon harvest quota can be allowed in order to lengthen the chinook salmon fishing season and soften the adverse socio-economic effects without jeopardizing the 1998 goal for the natural stock rebuilding program by focusing on stocks that are rebuilding faster than anticipated, including hatchery stocks, thus allowing benefits of the rebuilding program to be taken now;

BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature respectfully requests the United States section of the Northern Panel of the Pacific Salmon Commission to work, at its February 1989 meeting, to substantially increase the chinook salmon quota for Alaska in order to allow Alaska to share in the increased abundance and harvest of chinook salmon.

COPIES of this resolution shall be sent to Don W. Collinsworth, David A. Colson, John R. Donaldson, and S. Timothy Wapato, Commissioners, Pacific Salmon Commission.

LR002

Resolve: LR002

Year: 89

Source Bill: CSHCR9(FIN)

Source Root: HCR009

LEGISLATIVE RESOLVE NO. 002

Relating to Alliance Bank.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:

WHEREAS the concentration of commercial banks in the state has been affected during the past two years by the closing of six banks; and

WHEREAS the legislature wants to ensure that a viable and competitive banking system exists throughout the state; and

WHEREAS at the beginning of 1987, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation determined that public policy considerations in the state required the financial restructuring of what are now known as the Alliance Bancorporation and its wholly-owned subsidiary Alliance Bank; and

WHEREAS these public policy considerations are still present in the banking market and have become more acute due to the subsequent closing of other commercial banks in the state; and

WHEREAS further closure of banks in the state would have a negative effect on the already ailing state economy and would slow its recovery; and

WHEREAS Alliance Bank provides a unique service in the state because it operates an extensive network of branches in the rural and southeast parts of the state; in several locations served by Alliance Bank, there is only one other bank, and the next closest competitor is hundreds of miles away; and

WHEREAS if Alliance Bank were closed, most consumers north of the Yukon River would be forced to travel long distances to find another bank; and

WHEREAS there has been vocal community support in rural Alaska for Alliance Bank, and there have been requests for Alliance Bank to service additional rural communities; and

WHEREAS Alliance Bank, in conjunction with the Alaska Department of Community and Regional Affairs, handles over 50 percent of the outstanding loans for rural borrowers of the state; and

WHEREAS Alliance Bank has been, and continues to be, the premier provider of mortgage servicing in the state and is servicing over $1,500,000,000 worth of loans; the failure of Alliance Bank would severely disrupt the servicing of these loans and would cause additional financial strain on government agency loans, including loans from the state Department of Community and Regional Affairs, the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, the public employees' retirement system (AS 39.35), and the teachers' retirement system (AS 14.25); and

WHEREAS throughout the liquidation process Alliance Bank has made a significant effort to support real estate values for bank-owned real estate, and this has helped improve the economic climate in the state; and

WHEREAS the failure of Alliance Bank would further delay the economic recovery of the state, and the closure of the bank would result in a loss of jobs for the 460 employees of Alliance Bank and an annual loss of $20,000,000 in wages;

BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature encourages the Governor to support a stable and competitive banking environment in the state by working closely with Alliance Bank and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to ensure that every reasonable approach is taken to continue the operation of the bank.

LR003

Resolve: LR003

Year: 89

Source Bill: SCR10

Source Root: SCR010

LEGISLATIVE RESOLVE NO. 003

Relating to the promotion of Colonel Lars L. Johnson to major general in the Alaska National Guard.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:

WHEREAS Colonel Lars L. Johnson was appointed the first adjutant general of the Alaska National Guard and served in that position from August 1951 to August 1953; and

WHEREAS during his tenure as adjutant general, Colonel Johnson was the driving force in the establishment of the Alaska Air National Guard; and

WHEREAS as a result of the effort of Colonel Johnson, the Alaska Air National Guard was officially organized on September 15, 1952; and

WHEREAS following his tenure as adjutant general, Colonel Johnson continued to serve the Alaska National Guard as Chief of Staff of the Alaska Air National Guard from 1953 to 1955; and

WHEREAS Colonel Johnson retired as a colonel from the Alaska National Guard in June 1958; and

WHEREAS the Alaska State Legislature, representing the people of the state including those Alaskans whose privilege it has been to serve in the Alaska National Guard, desires to recognize Colonel Johnson for the contributions he has made to the Alaska National Guard; and

WHEREAS the rank of major general is appropriate for a person who has filled the position of adjutant general of the Alaska National Guard; and

WHEREAS Colonel Lars L. Johnson is qualified to be promoted to the rank of major general;

BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature respectfully requests the Governor to appoint Colonel Lars L. Johnson as a major general in the Alaska National Guard.

LR004

Resolve: LR004

Year: 89

Source Bill: CSHCR5(RES)AM

Source Root: HCR005

LEGISLATIVE RESOLVE NO. 004

Encouraging citizen participation in state-wide beach cleanup and anti-dumping efforts.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:

WHEREAS lost and accidentally and purposely discarded plastic debris, including six-pack yokes, strapping bands, sheeting, packaging material, dunnage, bags, particles, pellets, fishing nets, fishing line, and related fishing gear, are annually killing at least an estimated 1,000,000 sea birds, 100,000 marine mammals, and untold numbers of sea turtles and fish by entanglement in the debris and ingestion of the debris; and

WHEREAS many of the fish and wildlife killed by the debris are resident wildlife of the state, and some of this wildlife are listed as depleted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 1361 - 1407), including the Steller's sea lion and the northern fur seal, or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 - 1543), including the humpback whale, bowhead whale, and Aleutian Canada goose; and

WHEREAS plastic debris is generally persistent, durable, and nondegradable, and may last for hundreds of years or longer; and

WHEREAS plastic debris deposited on the state's beaches by tidal action, wind, waves, storms, and similar occurrences may also entangle wildlife, and future storms and high tides may wash the plastic back into the sea where it will continue its lethal effect, possibly for hundreds of years; and

WHEREAS, in addition to the problems plastic debris causes to wildlife, garbage-strewn beaches are aesthetically unpleasant, discourage tourism, and are costly to clean, and floating plastics also foul boat propellers, block cooling intake vents, snag fishing equipment, entangle submarines, and endanger divers; and

WHEREAS effective December 31, 1988, the Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act of 1987 (33 U.S.C. 1901 - 1912) prohibits vessels from dumping plastics at sea and within the navigable waters of the state, although certain public vessels have five years in which to comply with this prohibition; and

WHEREAS enforcement by the United States Coast Guard of these anti-dumping provisions will be difficult, especially since the Coast Guard faces expanding responsibilities and a shrinking budget; and

WHEREAS the Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act of 1987 contains a provision allowing an informant, in the discretion of the court, to receive up to one-half of the penalty assessed against a violator of the Act;

BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature strongly encourages all residents of the state to participate in Coastweeks '89, a national beach cleanup effort involving many public and private groups concerned about the environment, by taking part in a May 1989 beach cleanup along the 36,000 miles of the state's accessible shoreline; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature encourages those citizens who witness possible violations of the plastics anti-dumping law to contact the Port Operations Department of their local United States Coast Guard Marine Safety Office and, where possible, to provide the Coast Guard with as much of the following information as possible about the occurrence: date, time, location, witnesses' names, ship or vessel's name and number, photographs, and a sample of the discarded plastic.

LR005

Resolve: LR005

Year: 89

Source Bill: SCR17

Source Root: SCR017

LEGISLATIVE RESOLVE NO. 005

Supporting the development of Hatcher Pass Ski Area.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:

WHEREAS the state has made a commitment to the development of the tourism industry in Alaska; and

WHEREAS the Hatcher Pass area of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough has long been considered a premium location for an international class alpine ski area; and

WHEREAS the potential exists for Hatcher Pass to become an international destination resort with recreational, residential, and commercial facilities; and

WHEREAS several Olympic ski teams have travelled to the Hatcher Pass area to train for the Olympics; and

WHEREAS Mitsui & Co., Ltd. of Japan entered into a 55-year lease agreement with the Department of Natural Resources for future development of the Hatcher Pass Ski Area; and

WHEREAS Mitsui & Co., Ltd. has prepared a draft Conceptual Development Plan to introduce the citizens of Alaska to the company's ideas for development of the Hatcher Pass Ski Area; and

WHEREAS the Conceptual Development Plan has been submitted for approval to the Department of Natural Resources; and

WHEREAS Mitsui & Co., Ltd. has encouraged and solicited public comment on this draft plan;

BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature supports the commitment of Mitsui & Co., Ltd. to the development of the Hatcher Pass Ski Area; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governor is respectfully requested to encourage the Department of Natural Resources to approve the Conceptual Development Plan for the development of the Hatcher Pass Ski Area.

LR006

Resolve: LR006

Year: 89

Source Bill: HJR21

Source Root: HJR021

LEGISLATIVE RESOLVE NO. 006

Disapproving the Local Boundary Commission recommendation for annexation of territory to the Fairbanks North Star Borough.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:

WHEREAS, under art. X, sec. 12, Constitution of the State of Alaska, the Local Boundary Commission has presented to the legislature its recommendation dated January 18, 1989, entitled "Annexation to the Fairbanks North Star Borough"; and

WHEREAS a recommendation of the Local Boundary Commission presented to the legislature becomes effective 45 days after presentation or at the end of the session, whichever is earlier, unless disapproved by a resolution concurred in by the majority of the members of each house;

BE IT RESOLVED by the Alaska State Legislature that the recommendation of the Local Boundary Commission dated January 18, 1989, and entitled "Annexation to the Fairbanks North Star Borough" is disapproved.

LR007

Resolve: LR007

Year: 89

Source Bill: SCR16

Source Root: SCR016

LEGISLATIVE RESOLVE NO. 007

Commemorating the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:

WHEREAS the Great Alaska Earthquake of March 27, 1964, was one of the greatest catastrophic natural events of this century; and

WHEREAS the damages suffered by individuals and communities from the earthquake and resulting tsunami were extensive in many parts of the state as well as along the north Pacific coast; and

WHEREAS the people throughout the state and throughout the nation provided substantial emotional and financial support to those who suffered losses from the earthquake; and

WHEREAS local, state, and federal public officials responded immediately with assistance and support; and

WHEREAS private sector individuals and businesses responded to this tragedy with unstinting generosity; and

WHEREAS there were many known and unknown individual incidents of courage and sacrifice by a loving and caring people in response to conditions created by the earthquake; and

WHEREAS the devastating consequences and efforts of recovery afterwards provided many lessons; and

WHEREAS the importance of these lessons should not be forgotten but must be used to develop a safer human environment; and

WHEREAS 1989 marks the 25th anniversary of the Great Alaska Earthquake;

BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature designates 1989 as the "Year of Earthquake Remembrance"; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature supports the Governor's designation of March 1989 as "Earthquake Awareness Month"; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that these designated time periods should be observed appropriately by the citizens of the state.

LR008

Resolve: LR008

Year: 89

Source Bill: SCR23

Source Root: SCR023

LEGISLATIVE RESOLVE NO. 008

Relating to a Health Care Cost Containment Task Force.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:

WHEREAS the state is experiencing rapidly increasing costs for group health insurance coverage; and

WHEREAS providing comprehensive group health care at a reasonable cost to state employees is an important concern of the state; and

WHEREAS a complete review of the costs of providing group health care insurance is necessary in order to contain or reduce the cost to the state in an era of declining revenues; and

WHEREAS after reviewing applicable statutes, and practices of the insurance industry, legislation may be necessary to implement long-range methods to contain or reduce the cost of group health insurance for the state and its political subdivisions;

BE IT RESOLVED by the Alaska State Legislature that a Health Care Cost Containment Task Force is established to study state statutes, practices of health insurers, and to determine ways of containing or reducing the cost of group health insurance to the state and its political subdivisions; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall first determine and recommend immediate measures necessary to contain or reduce group health care costs in fiscal years 1989 and 1990; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force will also determine any changes to the statutes appropriate and necessary to contain or reduce group health care costs in the long term; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that members of the task force shall consist of two members of the Senate, appointed by the President of the Senate, two members of the House of Representatives, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, three members representing the executive branch, appointed by the Governor, three members representing unions; one appointed by the President of the Senate, one appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and one appointed by the Governor; the members of the task force shall select a person to act as chair; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the terms of the task force members shall begin immediately, that the task force may meet between sessions of the legislature, and that the task force terminates on January 31, 1990; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall submit a report of its findings and proposed legislation to the Governor and the Legislature by January 31, 1990.

LR009

Resolve: LR009

Year: 89

Source Bill: CSSCR22(TRSP)

Source Root: SCR022

LEGISLATIVE RESOLVE NO. 009

Relating to Project '92.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:

WHEREAS Project '92 will be an international celebration in 1992 of the 50th anniversary of the Alaska Highway by the United States, Canada, and Alaska; and

WHEREAS Project '92 is being promoted as a year long celebration with a dynamic program of events to commemorate the building and use of the Alaska Highway; and

WHEREAS Project '92 offers an unparalleled opportunity to promote a clear and positive image of highway travel to Alaska with emphasis on the unique cultural, scenic, and historical values to be experienced en route; and

WHEREAS Project '92 will bring thousands of additional visitors to Alaska who will have participated in the celebration throughout the Canadian portion of the highway; and

WHEREAS a continuation of the Project '92 celebration along the Alaska portion of the highway with special recognition for visitors at the terminus will greatly benefit the state; and

WHEREAS Project '92 will be the inaugural celebration in Alaska's "Gold Rush Decade Of The '90's"; and

WHEREAS Canada continues to demonstrate a very cooperative relationship with Alaska and promote the state's portion of the highway as the official destination in Project '92;

BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature supports the efforts of the Great Alaska Highway Society, a nonprofit corporation that has organized to promote Project '92; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature encourages the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities to participate in, support, and to the extent possible, promote the celebration of Project '92 on the various Alaska Highway routes and the Alaska marine highway system; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature pledges to assist the Office of the Governor and the Canadian delegation in this unprecedented opportunity to promote the most unique highway in North America.