STAND. COM. REP. NO. 546

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                   

 

RE:     S.B. No. 1045

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health, to which was referred S.B. No. 1045 entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to require barber, beauty operator, and instructor licensees under the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology to complete a one-time, one-hour training program on intimate partner violence awareness and education.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women; Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, LGBT Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaii, Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest and Hawaii, Hawaii Women's Coalition, Oahu County Committee on Legislative Priorities of the Democratic Party of Hawaii, and one individual.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.

 

     Your Committee finds that national statistics show one in four women and one in seven men will be abused by an intimate partner in their lifetime.  Professionals in the beauty industry have a unique opportunity to notice signs of abuse and often enjoy close and trusting relationships with their clients.  These professionals have a unique opportunity to provide advice, resource information, and assistance.  This measure will help equip beauty industry professionals with information concerning the general dynamics of domestic violence and where victims can find resources in their communities across the State.

 

     Your Committee further notes that a one-time, one-hour training program is not overly extensive or burdensome.  Moreover, the measure holds licensees harmless for acting in good faith or failing to act on information concerning potential intimate partner violence, providing appropriate safeguards for licensees.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1045 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health,

 

 

 

________________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair