Appropriates funds for SageWatch to implement the Kupuna ID Project as part of its outreach services. (SD2)

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The kupuna ID project was initiated on a volunteer basis by the department of the attorney general and its law enforcement partners to help elderly adults who may become disoriented, sick, or lost, by providing them with an identification card that includes their name, photo, and emergency contact information. The card assists emergency personnel to identify a lost senior citizen and to contact appropriate responsible parties. The program is currently operated by the department of the attorney general, crime prevention and justice assistance division.

The executive office on aging's SageWatch program has offered to adopt and expand the kupuna ID project as part of its outreach activities so that further outreach and services can be provided to keep seniors safe. Volunteers will be trained by the department of the attorney general. The goals include partnering with the community to implement the program statewide, coordinating community events across the State for kupuna to register and be photographed, and creating a central database for information that may be accessible to necessary authorities and family members if a kupuna is lost or missing. This innovative community partnership can assist in ensuring the safety and protection of Hawaii's kupuna.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate moneys for the executive office on aging's SageWatch program to adopt the kupuna ID project as part of its outreach activities, including the funding of two full-time positions, a program specialist IV (SR 22) and a program specialist III (SR 20).

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $          , or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007, for the executive office on aging's SageWatch program to adopt the kupuna ID project as part of its outreach activities, including the funding of two full-time positions, a program specialist IV (SR 22) and a program specialist III (SR 20).

SECTION 3. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2006.