Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2003

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Higher Education, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 194 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this concurrent resolution is to urge the University of Hawaii (UH) Department of Psychiatry to expand its research and education on depression diagnosis and management.

An individual submitted testimony in support of this concurrent resolution. The John A. Burns School of Medicine at UH-Manoa and an individual supported the intent of this concurrent resolution.

Hawaii has one of the largest elder populations in the country due to a high life expectancy. Your Committee finds that it is more economical to treat mental illnesses among the elderly when the conditions are diagnosed in their early stages. Early diagnoses will significantly reduce both the direct and indirect costs of health care in Hawaii.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Higher Education that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 194 and recommends that it be referred to the Committee on Finance.