Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 594 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to take steps to more effectively combat neurotrauma in Hawaii.

The measure establishes a neurotrauma special fund to be administered by the Department of Health to fund services relating to neurotrauma, including public education, professional training, research-related activities, and the creation of a registry. The special fund is funded through surcharges levied upon violations of specified traffic safety provisions and through federal and state funding. This measure also exempts the special fund from government-wide pro rata shares of central service expenses and departmental administrative expenses.

Furthermore, this measure establishes an advisory board to assist the department of health and makes an appropriation out of the special fund.

Your Committee finds that this measure establishes a dedicated source of revenue for much needed community education and support for Hawaii citizens who receive neurotrauma injuries. Revenues from the fund will be used to train and educate professionals, fund research, evaluation, and advocacy activities, and create a registry of neurotrauma injuries.

Your Committee has amended this measure by changing from five per cent to two per cent the total amount available from the special fund to pay for the administrative expenses of the fund. Your Committee has also amended this measure by changing the effective date to July 1, 2005, and by making technical nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 594, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 594, S.D. 1.