STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3509

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.C.R. No. 37

       S.D. 1

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2008

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 37, S.D. 1, entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE BUREAU TO STUDY THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COMPREHENSIVE VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION CENTER FOR DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING INDIVIDUALS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to request the Legislative Reference Bureau to study the establishment of a comprehensive vocational rehabilitation center for deaf and hard of hearing individuals.

     More specifically, the measure requests the Legislative Reference Bureau to suggest services for the center, survey centers in other states to estimate start-up and operating costs, and consult with agencies that serve the target population.  The measure also requests the Department of Human Services to assist in identifying the potential beneficiaries of such a center.

     Testimony in support of the measure was received from The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Advisory Board and the Disability and Communication Access Board.  The Department of Human Services and the Legislative Reference Bureau submitted comments.

     Your Committee finds that deaf and hard of hearing persons have unique communication and service needs.  Comprehensive vocational rehabilitation services for Hawaii's citizens who are deaf and hard of hearing would help to broaden their employment options and promote their successful integration in the community.  Identifying areas of need and funding possibilities would be a good first step toward improving services for this population.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 37, S.D. 1, and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

____________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair