STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1379

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2007

RE:   S.B. No. 820

      S.D. 1

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2007

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Health, to which was referred S.B. No. 820, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to increase the range of options in residential alternatives available to persons with developmental disabilities or mental retardation.

Specifically, this measure extends the timeframe for the State Council on Developmental Disabilities to plan for and implement services for that segment of the population to live in the least restrictive, individually appropriate residential environment of their choice.  In addition, the measure requires the State Council on Developmental Disabilities to submit a progress report and a final report to the Legislature in 2008 and 2009, respectively.

     The State Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Hawaii Disability Rights Center submitted testimony in support of this measure.

     Your Committee finds that persons with developmental disabilities or mental retardation, with support and consideration for their safety and well-being, can be successful in living independently in the community and not only in an adult residential care home, adult foster home, or domiciliary home.

     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. 820, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Finance.

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

____________________________

JOSHUA B. GREEN, M.D., Chair