Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Transportation and Government Operations and Health, to which was referred H.B. No. 3123, H.D. 1, entitled:

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to make an appropriation to fund a study by the Department of Health to assess the structural integrity of all hospitals and nursing homes in Hawaii.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the State Department of Defense, the Department of Health, Healthcare Association of Hawaii, the Structural Engineers Association of Hawaii, and a Hawaii County Council Member.

The Office of Domestic Preparedness of the Office of Homeland Security has issued a directive, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, to each state requiring them to assess their ability to evacuate and shelter residents in the event of a disaster. Of particular concern are the special populations served by hospitals and long term care facilities. Your Committees find that the residents of these facilities are the frail and elderly who are especially vulnerable to injury and death from natural disaster. Evacuation is problematic because of their age and infirmities.

This measure would appropriate funds for a study of the structural integrity of hospitals and nursing facilities to determine their ability to withstand hurricanes.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Transportation and Government Operations and Health that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 3123, H.D. 1, and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.