Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Human Services, to which was referred S.B. No. 2189 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to appropriate moneys for the state Commission on Fatherhood to establish an office and hire staff.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the measure from the Department of Human Services, the State Commission on Fatherhood, and the Hawaii Coalition for Dads.

Your Committee finds that children whose fathers are involved in their lives perform better in school, engage in fewer high-risk behaviors, are less likely to abuse substances, and have higher self-esteem. A staffed office will allow the Commission, among other things, to implement its strategic plan, complete a statewide analysis of service provision to fathers, operate year-round public awareness campaigns on the importance of father involvement in the lives of children, and provide information and resources related to effective fathering and the parenting support available to fathers and families throughout the State.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2189 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.