STAND. COM. REP. NO.  613

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2009

RE:   H.B. No. 1429

      H.D. 1

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fifth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2009

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Human Services, to which was referred H.B. No. 1429, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE ABOUT FACE PROGRAM,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this bill is to maintain the positive connections between local National Guard soldiers and at-risk youth by appropriating Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funds to continue the operation of the Hawaii National Guard's About Face family of programs.

     The Department of Human Services (DHS) and Department of Defense testified in support of this bill.  The Office of Youth Services supported the intent of this measure.

     When receiving full funding, the About Face family of programs serves approximately 3,000 at-risk middle and high school youth.  Most of these youth are still in school and the programs focus on maintaining school attendance and success, and preventing disciplinary problems.  DHS stated that these programs have been a positive influence on the families involved and supports their continued funding.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1429, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to the Committee on Finance.

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

____________________________

JOHN M. MIZUNO, Chair