Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2003

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Human Services, to which was referred S.B. No. 968 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds as a grant-in-subsidy for Family Centers to facilitate the development of strong families and communities in the State.

Testimony in support of this measure was submitted by Parents and Children Together, Heeia Elementary School, Moloka`i General Hospital, Urban Real Estate Company, Kualoa-Heeia Ecumenical Youth Project, and twenty concerned citizens.

Your Committee finds that Family Centers are embedded in their communities, build on strengths and assets, and provide an open door to all community residents. The Family Centers leverage resources and facilitate the strengthening of individuals, families, and the community through partnership and collaboration. Your Committee further finds that funding for Family Centers is critically needed to model family-centered services, grow new centers, and support the successful work of our current family centers.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 968 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.