STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3075

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 2109

H.D. 1

S.D. 1

 

 

Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health, to which was referred H.B. No. 2109, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to coordinate and develop fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) information, education, policies, and support services statewide by establishing and appropriating funds for a permanent state FASD coordinator position within the Department of Health Family Services Division.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Health; the March of Dimes Hawaii Chapter; Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies; and eight individuals.

Your Committee finds that children affected by fetal alcohol spectrum disorder have life-long learning, behavioral, and health problems. This disorder is fully preventable by eliminating alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

Your Committee further finds that creation of a FASD coordinator position was the primary recommendation from the FASD task force established by the House Concurrent Resolution No. 141 of the 2004 legislative session. If funding and a position count is secured, the Department of Health's Family Health Services Division agrees to direct efforts to ensure optimal intra- and inter-departmental coordination of FASD related services and planning.

Your Committee amended this measure by including an appropriation amount of $100,000.

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. 2109, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2109, 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