STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1962

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.C.R. No. 140

       H.D. 1

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2007

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Human Services and Public Housing, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 140, H.D. 1, entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES TO COLLECT DATA AND REPORT STATISTICS RELATED TO CASES OF ABUSE OF VULNERABLE ADULTS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is request the Department of Human Services to collect data and report statistics related to cases of abuse of vulnerable adults.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the National Association of Social Workers.

     Hawaii's disabled and elderly adults are some of the most vulnerable individuals in the State.  This population is highly susceptible to physical abuse and financial and economic exploitation, recently demonstrated in Hawaii, as cases of fraud and abuse have escalated.  While many of Hawaii's people may be subject to physical abuse and financial exploitation, the disabled and elderly are often less able to protect themselves.

     The Department of Human Services, Adult Protective Services, is responsible for receiving and investigating reports of abuse on adults who are dependent on another person, organization, or facility because of mental or physical impairment.

     This measure would pave the way for any necessary improvements in the delivery of adult protective services.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services and Public Housing that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 140, H.D. 1, and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Human Services and Public Housing,

____________________________

SUZANNE CHUN OAKLAND, Chair