Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Business and Economic Development, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 182 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to express legislative support for the efforts that the Hawaii Athletic Trainers' Association and the National Athletic Trainers' Association continue to make in school athletics.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the measure from the Department of Education.

The National Athletic Trainers' Association and the Hawaii Athletic Trainers' Association strive to keep up with the latest treatment techniques, research, and technological advancements to provide athletic fitness, education, and training to student athletes in school. Certified athletic trainers provide injury prevention, evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, health care administration, education, and guidance. Currently, the Department of Education is the largest employer of certified athletic trainers in the State. Last year these athletic trainers provided athletic practice and game coverage for 23,636 student-athletes throughout Hawaii.

Your Committee finds that legislative support is needed to commend the Hawaii Athletic Trainers' Association and the National Athletic Trainers' Association for promoting the profession of athletic training in Hawaii. The popularity of and the participation in organized school sports continues to increase, and more certified athletic trainers are needed to provide injury treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation. Additionally, as the number of organized intermediate-level teams increases, and certified athletic trainers are needed in intermediate schools to cover athletic practice and game events.

Your Committee has amended this measure by making technical, nonsubstantive changes for consistency and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Business and Economic Development that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 182, as amended herein, and recommends its adoption in the form attached hereto as S.C.R. No. 182, S.D. 1.