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 H.B. No. 1506, H.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to make an appropriation from the general fund to provide the Department of Education with additional special educational support positions.

This measure would appropriate funds for three hundred thirteen integrated special education database (ISPED) support personnel for the Department of Education. Presently, special education teachers, other special education and special services professionals, and educational assistants are spending time inputting confidential records of students who are eligible for Individuals with Disabilities Education Act services into the department's ISPED system. With the personnel proposed by this measure, these educational professionals may better dedicate their time to their primary function of providing educational services directly to the students requiring their professional services.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

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 is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1506, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1506, H.D. 1, S.D. 1.