Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2004

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 3194, S.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to appropriate $400,000 to implement the Rx prescription drug program.

The Rx program was established in 2002 to provide prescription drugs at lower cost to all Hawaii residents. The program is intended to use the combined purchasing power of all Hawaii's consumers to obtain prescription drugs at reduced rates. The Rx program is not yet operational, but is anticipated to be implemented beginning July 1, 2004.

Your Committee finds that the Rx prescription drug program will increase access to and affordability of prescription drugs in Hawaii. People in Hawaii and across the nation often are unable to afford the high cost of medically necessary prescription drugs. This bill appropriates funds to implement the Rx program, which will provide a measure of relief for consumers.

Upon further consideration, your Committee has amended this bill to:

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 3194, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 3194, S.D. 2.