Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 1900, H.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follow:

The purpose of this bill is to require the posting of warning signs on premises licensed to sell intoxicating liquor regarding the possible effects of consuming alcoholic beverages while pregnant.

The State Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities and The Arc in Hawaii submitted testimony in support of this bill.

Your Committee finds that the consumption of alcohol while pregnant can cause birth defects and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). Your Committee believes that the posting of warning signs will deter some pregnant individuals from consuming alcohol, thereby reducing the number of tragic and unnecessary cases of birth defects and FAS.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1900, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.