STAND. COM. REP. NO.581-02

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2002

RE: H.B. No. 2761

H.D. 1

 

 

 

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 2761, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO COMMUNITY ORAL HEALTH,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to improve community oral health by:

(1) Requiring dental hygienists in the Department of Health (DOH) to provide comprehensive services to children in public schools;

(2) Appropriating funds:

(a) To hire dental hygienists and supporting staff;

(b) For operating costs;

(c) For oral health services for uninsured individuals in community health centers serving areas with higher rates of dental caries when compared to the rest of the state;

(d) For start-up and operational costs of school and community-based dental sealant programs in underserved areas; and

(e) To provide basic dental services for adults covered by Medicaid and QUEST;

and

(3) Authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds and appropriating funds to plan health operatories at community health centers that do not have facilities and equipment for oral health services.

The State Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities, Kokua Council, Hawaii Primary Care Association, Hana Community Health Center, AlohaCare, Kalihi-Palama Health Center, Kokua Kalihi Valley, Hawaii Dental Hygienists' Association, and concerned individuals testified in support of this measure. The DOH, Department of Budget and Finance, and Department of Education supported the intent of this measure. Hawaii Citizens for Health, Hawaii Citizens for Safe Drinking Water, and numerous concerned citizens testified in opposition to and commented on this measure.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2761, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,

 

____________________________

DWIGHT Y. TAKAMINE, Chair