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 Human Services, to which was referred S.B. No. 2920 entitled:

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to make a grant to the Aloha United Way 211, and require all state and county agencies and private providers of services receiving government contracts to participate in the 211 information system.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the State Civil Defense, Aloha United Way, and one individual.

Aloha United Way 211 is a 24/7 information and referral service that is available statewide. Dialing 2-1-1 immediately provides callers access to a specialist, who directs callers to more than four thousand programs and services as appropriate to their needs. Although the 211 program is operating, public awareness is limited and services need to be upgraded and expanded.

Your Committees find that the easy-to-remember 211 dialing code will provide direct access to organizations providing community information and referral services, such as housing and rental assistance, legal assistance, counseling, and hospice services, that are not currently available through the 911 emergency code.

The State Civil Defense testified that the 211 number provided a vital service during the 2004 Manoa flood disaster and other emergencies.

In order to expand its 211 program, the Aloha United Way will: (1) conduct major public awareness campaigns, reaching out to the public through employers, schools, and agencies; (2) increase agency participation in the 211 database; and (3) increase the 211 center's quality, capacity, and disaster response capabilities, to include technology upgrades, training, and evaluation systems.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Transportation and Government Operations and Human Services that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2920 and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.