Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health, to which was referred H.B. No. 786 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to make an appropriation for a donated dental services program for the elderly, persons who have a disability of mental illness, or are homeless, through the Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped.

Testimony in support of this measure was received from the State Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Hawaii Primary Care Association, the Hawaii Dental Association, the Hawaii Dental Hygienists Association, the Mental Health Association of Hawaii, and various private citizens, dental hygienists, and dentists.

The Executive Office on Aging supported the intent of the measure but deferred the opinions of the Hawaii Dental Association and the Department of Health.

The Department of Health supported the intent of the measure but stated that it could not support the appropriation in the measure if it adversely impacted on the priorities already established in their executive biennium budget.

Your Committee understands that many people in Hawaii go without dental services simply due to the costs of these services. It is also recognized that studies have shown that improved oral health leads to improved self esteem and that individuals who maintain their oral health have better physical health in general.

Moreover, your Committee recognizes that many dentists in Hawaii are willing to volunteer their time for this noble effort thereby increasing the access to dental care for the citizenry of the State of Hawaii. In fact, it was estimated that in the first year of this program their would be 110 volunteer dentists willing to administer care.

Recognizing this as a noble and worthwhile effort by members of the community, as well as state government, your Committee has decided to pass this measure without amendments.

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. 786 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Finance.