Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2003

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 114 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request that the Legislative Reference Bureau research options for establishing a dedicated funding mechanism to implement Act 77, Session Laws of Hawaii 1997, relating to early childhood education and care.

In addition, this measure requests that the Legislative Reference Bureau submit its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature not later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2004.

Your Committee finds that Act 77 created, as a focal point for enhancing, developing, and coordinating quality early childhood education and care services in Hawaii – the Good Beginnings Alliance. Because the Good Beginnings Alliance is a private nonprofit corporation, it has the ability to cut across existing social service systems and coordinate early childhood services for families with young children. Because it is a private nonprofit corporation, however, the Legislature cannot appropriate funds directly to the Good Beginnings Alliance as if it were a state agency.

Your Committee also finds that the public purpose and responsibilities of Act 77 cannot be fully realized until a dedicated funding mechanism is established for the Good Beginnings Alliance or another private nonprofit corporation.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 114 and recommends its adoption.