STAND. COM. REP. NO.  250-08

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2008

RE:   H.B. No. 2334

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2008

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committees on Human Services & Housing and Health, to which was referred H.B. No. 2334 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO CRIME,"

beg leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this bill is to protect pregnant women by establishing mandatory minimum prison terms for individuals who commit a felony against a pregnant woman and cause the pregnant woman serious or substantial bodily injury.

     The Roman Catholic Church in the State of Hawaii, Hawaii Family Forum, and Hawaii Family Law Clinic testified in support of this bill.  The Department of the Prosecuting Attorney of the City and County of Honolulu supported the intent of this measure.  A concerned individual opposed this bill.  The Office of the Public Defender offered comments.  A concerned individual opposed this bill.

     Your Committees defer to the Committee on Judiciary on technical and other issues raised by the testifiers.  Your Committees note that this measure does not impact abortion rights and issues.

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Human Services & Housing and Health that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2334 and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Human Services & Housing and Health,

____________________________ JOSHUA B. GREEN, M.D., Chair

____________________________ MAILE SHIMABUKURO, Chair