Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2004

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 2161 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to authorize a minor's caregiver to consent to health care services for the minor.

Testimony in support of this measure was received from the Department of Human Services, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Child Welfare Services State Advisory Council, ILWU Local 142, Kokua Council, Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs, Na Tutu, and four individuals.

Your Committee finds that many grandparents and other family members are raising their grandchildren, nieces, and nephews because the children's parents cannot, or will not, care for them. Under this measure, caregivers would have the authority to seek medical help for the children they care for.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2161 and recommends that it pass Third Reading.