Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Health and Human Services and Education, to which was referred H.B. No. 2761, H.D. 1, entitled:

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to develop and implement a school-community based oral health program for children attending Hawaii public schools.

Testimony in support of this measure was submitted by the Department of Health, State Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities, and Hawai'i Primary Care Association. Testimony in opposition to portions of this measure was submitted by a concerned citizen.

Your Committees find that Hawaii's children, especially those from poor families, lack regular and proper dental care. Your Committees further find that providing dental health services for these children will promote positive oral health habits and prevent development of more serious dental problems through early detection and treatment in a school setting.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Health and Human Services and Education that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2761, H.D. 1, and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.