Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2004

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Health and Human Services, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 154 entitled:

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the Executive Office on Aging to provide data on Hawaii's family caregivers and the individuals that they assist.

Testimony in support of the measure was received from the Executive Office on Aging, the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs, Kokua Council, and two individuals.

Your Committees find that as Hawaii's population ages, it is necessary to gather data regarding family caregivers in Hawaii and the individuals they assist. Family caregivers are the primary care givers in Hawaii and therefore information relating to cost outlays, necessary support services, and delivery of health care services must be compiled and analyzed in order to ascertain the present and future needs of Hawaii's caregivers. This information will also provide guidance to the Legislature on a myriad of issues such as long-term care, improving access to social services, and providing economic assistance or relief to caregivers.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Health and Human Services that are attached to this report, your Committees concur with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 154, and recommend its adoption.