STAND. COM. REP. NO. 499

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 1050

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2007

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Health, to which was referred S.B. No. 1050 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR HANA HEALTH,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to ensure the continued viability of Hana Health.

     Specifically, this measure appropriates $2,200,000 for fiscal year 2007-2008, and $2,200,000 for fiscal year 2008-2009, for operational expenses and commercial kitchen equipment and installation costs at Hana Health.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from Hana Health, Hawaii Primary Care Association, and one hundred two individuals.

     Your Committee finds that Hana Health is a vital part of the Moku of Hana.  It has provided culturally sensitive health care, social services, employment training, and economic development projects to the community, which has been federally designated as a medically-underserved population.  Sixty-two per cent of Hana's residents are Native Hawaiian and many other residents are underserved due to financial, cultural, and geographic barriers.  Your Committee further finds that providing financial support to Hana Health is necessary to ensure quality health, social, and economic conditions of this fragile community.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1050 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health,

____________________________

DAVID Y. IGE, Chair