Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred S.B. No. 1713, S.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to protect the residents of Kalaupapa Settlement, operated by the Department of Health (DOH), by declaring the Legislature's intent to ensure that residents of Kalaupapa are treated with dignity, respect, courtesy, and sensitivity, and that DOH uphold protections extended to the patients of Kalaupapa.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs and a concerned individual testified in support of this bill. DOH supported the intent of this measure, but stated that legislation may not be necessary.

Your Committee emphasizes that this measure is not intended to create any new entitlements to the patients of Kalaupapa, and is intended to declare the Legislature's intent to enforce the pledge made by the State to care for the remaining patients in a respectful and dignified manner.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1713, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be placed on the calendar for Third Reading.