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 S.C.R. No. 133, S.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this concurrent resolution is to recognize the Department of Health's (DOH) Public Health Nursing Program for its commitment in protecting and promoting the health and safety of the community.

DOH, Services for Seniors, Kauai Good Beginnings, Kauai Public Health Nurses, Hawaii Government Employees Association, Child and Family Service of Kauai, Hawaii Nurses Association, Apria Healthcare, Keiki College Preschool, several physicians, and concerned citizens submitted testimony in support of this measure.

Your Committee recognizes that a vast majority of Hawaii's population remains vulnerable to health and safety concerns on a daily basis. Public health nurses provide care to this vulnerable group, including special needs infants, toddlers, children, and the elderly. Your Committee notes that these nurses serve as a safety net for health care services when no other community resources are available. Without these services, a tremendous strain would be placed on the entire healthcare services system in Hawaii.

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 S.C.R. No. 133, S.D. 1, and recommends its adoption.