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. 2776 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to authorize the Department of Health (DOH) to continue to assist with the implementation of a statewide poison information program, including outsourcing of poison center services.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from DOH and from the Keiki Injury Prevention Coalition.

Your Committee finds that over the past two years DOH has secured federal funding to enable the Hawaii Poison Center to resume 24-hour operation, which had previously been discontinued due to lack of funding.

This measure provides statutory authority for DOH to continue to assist the Hawaii Poison Center through channeling of federal funds and distribution of poison information services statewide.

Your Committee fully supports this measure. When an individual consumes or is exposed to a poisonous substance, time is critical, as the person requires medical attention immediately to mitigate the effects of the poison.

Your Committee supports the efforts of the Hawaii Poison Center, and believes the Center should continue to operate with the assistance of DOH, including federal funds channeled through the Department.

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. 2776 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.