STAND. COM. REP. NO.1201
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2001
RE: H.C.R. No. 194
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.C.R. No. 194 entitled:
"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENTS OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES TO DEVELOP STRATEGIES TO MEET THE ORAL HEALTH CARE NEEDS OF UNDERSERVED AREAS AND UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS, ESPECIALLY CHILDREN,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this concurrent resolution is to request the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Human Services to:
(1) Develop strategies to meet the oral health care needs of underserved areas and underserved populations, particularly children; and
(2) Submit a report to the Legislature prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2002.
DOH, the Christian Science Committee on Publication for Hawaii, and several concerned citizens supported the intent of this measure. Many concerned citizens submitted testimony supporting the measure with amendments to specifically exclude consideration of fluoridation of drinking water.
Down to Earth Natural Foods opposed the measure.
Your Committee finds that Hawaii has a disproportionately high rate of dental disease, especially among children. Many children in the community have limited access to much-needed dental disease prevention, early intervention, and dental treatment services. Furthermore, your Committee recognizes that through the improvement of oral health, the general well-being of the community will be greatly enhanced.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 194 and recommends that it be referred to the Committee on Finance.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health,
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____________________________ DENNIS A. ARAKAKI, Chair |
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