Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2722, S.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to clarify that the Insurance Fraud Investigation Unit of the Insurance Division of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs has the authority to contract with as well as employ experts and personnel for the unit's activities.

Your Committee finds that this measure will clarify that the Insurance Fraud Investigation Unit is authorized to retain private professional, technical, and other support personnel through long-term contracts as needed for the successful prosecution and prevention of insurance fraud. Your committee notes that the Insurance Commissioner indicated in testimony before the prior committee that any reduction in insurance fraud will benefit the consumer by reducing the cost of premiums spent on fraudulent claims.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2722, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.