Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Human Services and Housing, to which was referred H.B. No. 429 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to make an appropriation to establish four rehabilitation teacher positions to teach blindness skills to enable individuals age 55 or older with severe visual impairment or blindness to live as independently as possible.

Testimony in support of this measure was submitted by the Department of Human Services (DHS) and concerned citizens.

Your Committee recognizes that older adults with severe visual impairment may lack proficiency in basic skills and communication. Further, unnecessary institutionalization can be a financial burden. This bill will help elderly persons with vision impairment to become more independent and self-sufficient.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services and Housing that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 429 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Finance.