Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2004

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Human Services, to which was referred S.B. No. 2156 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds for nonschool-hour programs for children or youth enrolled in school.

Testimony in support of this measure submitted by the Department of Human Services, the Honolulu Police Department, Hawaii Youth Services, Coalition for a Drug-Free Hawaii, Hale Kipa, Blueprint for Change, and the Hawaii State Student Council.

Your Committee finds that nearly two-thirds of school age children are in homes where both parents work, yet few communities have before and after-school care systems for children. A survey of thirteen Hawaii communities revealed that 85% list their highest priority need is for organized activities for youth to end illicit drug use and underage drinking. Furthermore, statistics show that during after-school hours is the most likely time for a youth to be involved in a crime, either as a victim or a perpetrator. Therefore, it is important to have structured programs and activities during the nonschool-hours for the youth to prevent or reduce risk factors and establish and strengthen protective factors.

Although Hawaii has the A+ Program for grades K-6, older children also need adult supervision. This bill will assist the State through dedicated funding for nonschool-hour programs. These programs can counteract the negative environmental factors that contribute to lack of opportunities and ability to learn.

Your Committee has amended this measure by amending the expending agency in section 3 to correctly reflect the Department of Human Services.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2156, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2156, S.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.