STAND. COM. REP. NO.  11

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2007

RE:   H.B. No. 203

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2007

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Human Services & Housing, to which was referred H.B. No. 203 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO NEUROTRAUMA,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this bill is to support neurotrauma survivors by:

     (1)  Allowing the Neurotrauma Special Fund (Fund) to be used for direct services to assist individuals with neurotraumatic injuries;

     (2)  Requiring Fund moneys to be appropriated to obtain matching funds for grants; and

     (3)  Requiring the Department of Human Services (DHS) to apply for necessary federal waivers to use moneys in the Fund.

     The Hawaii Disability Rights Center, Hawaii Psychiatric Medical Association, and several concerned individuals testified in support of this bill.  The Occupational Therapy Association of Hawaii supported the intent of this measure.  The Administration opposed this bill.  DHS and the Department of health provided comments.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services & Housing that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 203 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Health.

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

____________________________

MAILE SHIMABUKURO, Chair