Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2004

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Human Services and Housing, to which was referred H.B. No. 2456 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to require the Department of Human Services (DHS) to establish standards and perform criminal history and child protective services record checks, to ensure the reputable and responsible character of service providers who have direct contact with individuals receiving home and community based services through DHS's Adult and Community Care Services Branch.

DHS and Kokua Council testified in support of this bill.

Your Committee finds that this bill will close a gap in protection under Hawaii's law for Hawaii's frail and vulnerable elderly, by screening for predatory, criminal, and other undesirable caregivers.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services and Housing that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2456 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Judiciary.