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. 2955 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish a state funded food assistance program for income qualified immigrant children and immigrants 65 years of age and older ineligible under federal law for food stamps.

Testimony in support of this measure was submitted by Na Loio and Kokua Council. Testimony in opposition to this measure was submitted by the Department of Human Services and two private individuals.

Your Committee finds that income qualified immigrants are greatly deprived because of federal government regulations that deny them food stamps. Hawaii has traditionally been the State to welcome all immigrants, thus making this State the world's melting pot. These immigrants are welcomed in Hawaii, and need to have access to nutrition for themselves and their families.

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. 2955 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.