STAND. COM. REP. NO.1024

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2003

RE: H.B. No. 735

H.D. 1

S.D. 1

 

 

Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2003

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health, to which was referred H.B. No. 735, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT SERVICES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to make an appropriation for sexual assault services.

Testimony supporting this measure was received from the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, Honolulu City and County Department of the Prosecuting Attorney, Community Alliance on Prisons, Sex Abuse Treatment Center, Planned Parenthood of Hawaii, and one individual. The Department of Health supported the intent of this measure but opposed this measure citing the State's current economic condition and fiscal constraints.

Your Committee finds that sexual assault is an epidemic that affects men, women, and children in Hawaii. In addition to the injuries sustained from sexual assault, victims may be at risk for sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancy, psychological trauma, social problems, and developmental disabilities. Unfortunately, funding for sexual assault services for victims continues to be insufficient to meet their needs and those of their families.

Your Committee finds that the appropriation made by this measure provides funds that will ensure that sexual assault victims in Hawaii receive the care and support they desperately need.

Your Committee has amended this measure by specifying $300,000, as the amount of the appropriation and by making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for style and clarity.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 735, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 735, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health,

____________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair