Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Higher Education, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 200 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the University of Hawaii to provide funding to support five faculty staff positions at the Center on Aging, Research, and Education.

Testimony in support of the measure was submitted by the University of Hawaii School of Social Work and three individuals.

Your Committee finds that since budget cuts implemented in 1994, the Center on Aging, Research, and Education has attempted to carry out its mission of making gerontological knowledge and resources available with an annual budget of $35,000, sufficient only for clerical support and minor operating expenses. Meanwhile, the urgent need for social workers in the area of gerontology is exacerbated by the growing needs of Hawaii's aging population. Without dedicated professionals and a critical mass of homegrown graduates prepared to work in the field, the University's opportunities for grant funding, service, and collaboration with other institutions will be lost.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Higher Education that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 200 and recommends that it be referred to the Committee on Human Services.