Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Health and Human Services and Housing, to which was referred H.B. No. 91 entitled:

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to make an appropriation to the Department of Human Services to fund respite care services to relieve family stress.

Your Committees understand that families of individuals with developmental delays or disabilities, serious or chronic illnesses, emotional disabilities, or mental illness, often experience ongoing financial, physical, and emotional stress. This can have a profound impact on the caregiver's and family's lives including the emotional, physical, social, and mental well being of parents and siblings.

It is further understood that respite care services play an essential role in the family's ability to continue to provide care for a family member at home rather than turning to less desirable options. Moreover, your Committees realize that the best place for these individuals to reside is at home, with a loving family in a conducive environment.

Testimony supporting the intent of this measure was received from the Mental Health Association of Hawaii, the Disability and Communication Access Board, the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill Oahu, the State Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities, and various families who use respite care. However, it was felt by most of these organizations that H.B. No. 76, a bill with a similar focus, and H.B. No. 91 could be merged and increase the populations H.B. No. 91 will serve.

The Department of Human Services presented testimony in support of the intent of this measure. The Department of Health supported the intent of the measure and saw no problem with merging H.B. No. 76 and H.B. No. 91.

Therefore, after careful consideration of the testimony provided, your Committees have decided to pass this measure with amendments that include the following:

Your Committees would also like to recommend that the Department of Health submit language regarding the continuation of the Respite Care Task Force to be included in the bill at its next public hearing, helping to ensure family member input and the continuation of the Respite Care Task Force.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Health and Human Services and Housing that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 91, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 91, H.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Finance.