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. 2944 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds to ensure the enduring viability of the nonprofit, community-based health care system so that they may maintain cost-effective services for the uninsured.

Testimony in support of this measure was submitted by the Department of Health, Aloha Care, Hawaii Primary Care Association, Health Care Association of Hawaii and Kokua Council.

Your Committee finds that these nonprofit community centers provide a great service to our State. Not only do they provide cost-effective care to the uninsured, but this care prevents more serious and costly health conditions in this vulnerable population. Due to the recent hard times that hit many Hawaii residents, many people lost their job, or suffered a reduction in work hours, thus losing their health care coverage. This measure will ensure that those without health care can afford the services they need.

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. 2944 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.