Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was referred S.B. No. 2276 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to appropriate $100,000 to the Maui Food Bank.

Testimony in support of this measure was submitted by the Maui Food Bank and two members of the Maui County Council.

Your Committee finds that due to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, thousands of workers lost their jobs or suffered a reduction in work hours. Your Committee further finds that due to welfare reform, many families were considered to be "in crisis" and needed additional help from the food banks. Your Committee believes that this measure will ensure, through innovative programs, that the Food for Families, Mobil Pantry, community distribution programs and other initiatives will continue to reach those in need and provide barrier-free access to high quality nutritional food on an ongoing, reliable bases.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health and Human Services that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2276 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.