Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2185, S.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds to develop community-based, family-centered models throughout the State.

The measure also appropriates funds for the Hawaii Even Start literacy program.

Your Committee finds that community-based, family-centered models exemplify the cooperation between public and private entities to deliver coordinated services to a target population. These models provide families with a community-based, one-stop resource center for information and referrals, volunteer programs, counseling, classes, and family activities.

The appropriation provided by this measure would ensure the availability of community-based models where people feel comfortable asking for assistance and will also support the needs of individuals and families.

Your Committee has amended the measure by making technical nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2185, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2185, S.D. 2.