Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Human Services and Housing and Health, to which was referred H.B. No. 167 entitled:

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to appropriate funds for the Office of the Legislative Auditor to conduct an actuarial study regarding Hawaii's long-term care needs.

The Executive Office on Aging, Kokua Council, and the Commission on the Status of Women submitted testimony supporting the intent of this measure. The Coalition for Affordable Long Term Care submitted comments.

Your Committees recognize the need for exploration and expansion of Hawaii's long-term care needs, as the number of older residents has increased dramatically. The demand for long-term care is increasing, placing a financial burden on families as well as the State. The State currently contributes to long-term care through Medicaid, whose costs are soaring.

An accurate and comprehensive assessment of Hawaii's long-term care needs is required to enable the State to find creative ways to mitigate rising economic problems.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Human Services and Housing and Health that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 167 and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Legislative Management.