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 S.B. No. 1184 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds to the Crime Victim Compensation Special Fund to compensate crime victims and their providers pursuant to chapter 351, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Crime Victim Compensation Commission (Commission). The Department of Public Safety provided a justification sheet for the funds requested by this measure.

Your Committee finds that the Commission provides a financial and psychological safety net for victims of violent crime. When insurance and other payment sources have been exhausted, the Commission provides compensation to Hawaii's violent crime victims.

Your Committee finds that many victims of violent crime would not be able to pay their medical bills, receive counseling, or arrange for the funeral and burial of their loved ones without the assistance offered by the Commission. Your Committee finds that the Commission performs an important public service, and should receive the funds necessary to continue that service.

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 S.B. No. 1184 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.