Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2004

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Human Services and Health, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 211 entitled:

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) to search for surplus property in the state system that could be leased to substance abuse treatment programs to assist in the treatment of recovering addicts.

The measure also requests the Department of Health and Department of Human Services to look for available federal funds and other grants to help develop housing facilities for these treatment programs.

DAGS submitted testimony commenting on this measure.

Your Committees find that effective means of combating substance abuse is needed. Efforts need to be made to facilitate the ability of organizations to establish treatment facilities and programs because they provide a valuable public service in assisting substance abusers. This measure can also assist the State by keeping these individuals out of prison and off welfare, thereby eliminating expenditures.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Human Services and Health that are attached to this report, your Committees concur with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 211, and recommend its adoption.