HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.R. NO.	140
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007
STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE  RESOLUTION

establishING an Elder Abuse Task Force.

     WHEREAS, the problem of elder abuse is a priority of the Legislature; and

     WHEREAS, there are many types of abuse, including financial abuse, mental abuse, physical abuse, and the threat of imminent abuse; and

     WHEREAS, an array of state agencies and service groups in the private sector are actively involved in discussions with the Legislature; and

     WHEREAS, there are legal considerations including proof, definitions, penalties, interpretations, and overlapping jurisdictions that also accompany the discussions of abuse; and

     WHEREAS, by the year 2020, approximately one of every four people in Hawaii will be 60 years-of-age or older; and

     WHEREAS, methods to assist families and their elders through the creation of public or private mechanisms to resolve disputes of a family member abusing an elderly relative must be discussed and explored; and

     WHEREAS, agencies such as the Department of Human Services, Department of Health, and Attorney General, and service organizations such as AARP Hawaii, the Coalition of Care Home Administrators, Foster Family Association, Hawaii Health Care Association, ARC of Hawaii, Developmental Disabilities Council, Disability Rights Center, and many others, are all stakeholders in this important discussion; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-fourth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2007, that the Chairs of the House of Representatives Committees on Human Services and Housing and Health, and the Chairs of the Senate Committees on Human Services and Public Housing and Health are requested to establish an Elder Abuse Task Force (Task Force) with members appointed by the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Task Force study the contributing factors of elder abuse, methods of prevention, care for elder abuse victims, and any other relevant matter relating to elder abuse; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Task Force is requested to submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than 20 days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2008; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislative Reference Bureau is requested to provide administrative, clerical, and other necessary staff support to the Task Force; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Human Services, Director of Health, and the Attorney General.

OFFERED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title: 

Legislative Elder Abuse Task Force