Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Higher Education, to which was referred H.B. No. 366 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to enhance the quality of family life in the state by facilitating the training of professionals in the field of child development and family resources.

Specifically, this bill appropriates funds for the Family Resources degree program (Program) of the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences in the University of Hawaii (UH) College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR).

Family Education Centers of Hawaii and numerous concerned individuals testified in support of this bill. Two concerned individuals supported this measure with budgetary concerns for UH.

Your Committee finds that the courses conducted under the Program have a continuing, positive impact on families in Hawaii. Your Committee also notes that UH has requested $250,000 to add four faculty positions for the Program.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Higher Education that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 366 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Finance.