STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2465

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 2890

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2008

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Health, to which was referred S.B. No. 2890 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR HEALTH CARE SERVICES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to provide for health care and other services for people living with the human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Life Foundation, Hawaii Island HIV/Aids Foundation, Gregory House Programs, Director of the Clint Spencer Clinic, and twelve individuals.  The State Department of Health submitted testimony in opposition.

     Your Committee finds that additional funds are needed to supplement moneys available through the Ryan White Care Act, which provides for medical and psychosocial services for Hawaii residents living with the human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and have low incomes or little or no insurance. 

     Your Committee further finds that in light of a recent $2,000,000 cutback in federal funding for Hawaii‘s only acquired immunodeficiency syndrome clinical trials program, supplemental   funding is necessary to provide assistance with housing, food, dental care needs, and other services that are in jeopardy or currently under funded.

     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. 2890 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