SB733 SD1

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	733
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007		S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to veterans.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that a reliable and effective method of communicating important information to Hawaii's military veterans, particularly those veterans returning from deployment to the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, and Iraq, and their families is lacking. This lack of communication prevents veterans from all branches of the military from being informed of significant outreach services that are available for veterans and their families, upcoming veteran-related events in the community, and the dates of various military ceremonies.

Outreach and counseling services are extremely important to our men and women returning from combat, many of whom will be struggling with some form of redeployment issues due to the dangers they faced carrying out their military duties, and the prolonged separation from family and friends. Many will experience an unexpected sense of detachment, irritability, and other stress-related symptoms. At least fifteen per cent of our current military personnel will suffer from some form of combat stress. It is critical that our returning veterans are aware of services and support offered to them, as well as relevant ceremonies and events, upon their return from duty. The Department of Veterans Affairs is moving its residential stress care program for long‑term patients from Hilo to Oahu, where the majority of returning veterans live. This move will increase both inpatient and outpatient services available for veterans on Oahu.

Presently, the office of veterans' services, located within the department of defense, lacks sufficient funding to publish a newsletter that would disseminate this and other related important information regarding support services, programs, and events available to military veterans and their families. The State of Hawaii owes our returning armed forces, national guard, and reserve veterans meaningful opportunities that provide support for them and express the State's deep gratitude and appreciation for the services that the veterans have provided for our country.

The purpose of this Act is to provide information to veterans and their families regarding available outreach services and programs.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $100,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2007-2008, and the same sum, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008-2009, for the office of veterans services to cover the cost of staff, printing, and distribution of a newsletter, published quarterly for each year, that will inform veterans of veterans' issues, including any changes in benefits, the availability of supportive services and programs, and relevant events and ceremonies.

SECTION 3. The sums appropriated shall be expended by the office of veteran services for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2007.