Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2003

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Health and Commerce, Consumer Protection and Housing, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 151, H.D. 1, entitled:

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish an interim task force to consider the feasibility of providing universal health care in the State.

Testimony supporting this measure was received from the Hawaii Psychological Association, Mestizo Association, and Hawaii Medical Association. Comments on this measure were received from the Hawaii Medical Service Association.

Your Committees find that the cost of health care in Hawaii is increasing at a dramatic rate. The financial burden placed on employers and individuals is jeopardizing the accessibility of health care to Hawaii residents. Your Committees believe that alternative health care frameworks must be explored. Implementation of a universal health care system may provide for a more effective and efficient delivery of health care services in the State and should be thoroughly studied.

Your Committees have amended this measure by:

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Health and Commerce, Consumer Protection and Housing that are attached to this report, your Committees concur with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 151, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommend its adoption in the form attached hereto as H.C.R. No. 151, H.D. 1, S.D. 1.