STAND. COM. REP. NO. 321

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2005

RE: S.B. No. 1849

 

 

Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Human Services, to which was referred S.B. No. 1849 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to authorize a personal needs allowance for eligible care home residents.

Testimony in support of this measure was submitted by the Hawaii Disability Rights Center, the Kokua Council, and five individuals. Testimony in opposition to this measure was submitted by the Department of Human Services.

The Committee finds that this measure will help residents in care homes buy basic necessities such as clothing and toiletries, and help maintain at least a minimum level of independence and decision making. Your Committee believes that an increase in funding, which has not occurred since 1988, is necessary to assist individuals who live in care homes to purchase basic necessities and maintain their personal dignity.

Your Committee recommends an on-going evaluation of the measure to provide eligible care home residents with $50 per month only if provider reimbursement rates also increase by $50 plus an amount greater than the amount they are currently receiving.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1849 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Human Services,

____________________________

SUZANNE CHUN OAKLAND, Chair