Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Health and Human Services and Transportation, Military Affairs and Government Operations, to which was referred S.B. No. 594 entitled:

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish a neurotrauma special fund and program to prevent and educate residents about neurotrauma. The measure also establishes a neurotrauma board to advise the director of health in the program implementation.

Testimony in support of this measure was submitted by the Department of Health, Department of Education, Disability and Communication Access Board, Keiki Injury Prevention, Rehab, Brain Injury Association of Hawaii, a private attorney, and seven private citizens. Comments were submitted by the Department of Budget and Finance, and a clinical psychologist specializing in neuropsychology.

Your Committees find that there is much needed community education and support for Hawaii citizens who receive neurotrauma injury. Your Committees find that the funds raised through various surcharges on motor vehicle violations have a sufficient link between the source of the fund and the beneficiaries. Through these surcharges and federal matching the neurotrauma program has the ability to be self-sustaining and fully fund the level of program activities and administration cost. Your Committees find that there is a need for a neurotrauma program and this measure raises the funds, creates the board, and develops a plan for such a program.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Health and Human Services and Transportation, Military Affairs and Government Operations that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 594 and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.