Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Health and Human Services, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 40, H.D. 1, entitled:

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request that the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities allow the Residential Settings Task Force (Task Force) to continue to convene and identify issues and solutions regarding individuals who are developmentally disabled and their choice of residential setting.

The Department of Health, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Disability and Communication Access Board, The Arc of Kauai, the Hawaii Disability Rights Center, and one individual submitted testimony in support of this measure. The Judiciary submitted comments.

The Task Force began meeting in May 2004 to discuss critical issues facing individuals with developmental disabilities and their choice of residential settings, such as aging in place, dignity of risk, and health and safety. The Task Force submitted its findings and recommendations to the 2005 Legislature, which were considered in recent legislation. However, the members of the Task Force agreed that further analysis on how to increase residential options, including residency in unlicensed homes, is necessary. This measure encourages the continuation of the Task Force and the valuable insight it provides in framing these critical issues for the Legislature.

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. 40, H.D. 1, and recommend its adoption.