Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred H.B. No. 411, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to extend the Good Samaritan Law to pharmacists, wholesale prescription drug distributors, pharmaceutical companies, or physicians who in good faith without remuneration provide pharmaceuticals and health care supplies to needy persons.

Your Committee received written testimony in favor of this measure from Hawaii State Primary Care Association. Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Consumer Lawyers of Hawaii.

Your Committee finds that there is presently a wealth of medicine and health care supplies available from wholesalers, drug manufacturers, and pharmacies, who are leery of donating goods because of liability risk. These items are unsalable because of damaged containers, relatively short shelf life and other reasons that do not affect their wholesomeness and usefulness. The goods they presently discard can mean the difference between life and death for a patient in need, between productivity and dependence. By expanding the protections afforded by this measure, more businesses will donate supplies and more indigent patients will benefit at community health centers throughout the State.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 411, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.