STAND. COM. REP. NO.  642

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2009

RE:   H.R. No. 31

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.R. No. 31 entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION REQUESTING RELIGIOUS AND FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONS TO SERVE AS SAFE HAVENS FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this resolution is to request religious and faith-based organizations to serve as safe havens for domestic violence victims.

     Testimony in support of this resolution was submitted by the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and a concerned individual.

     Your Committee recognizes that religious and faith-based organizations are a crucial source of support for victims of domestic violence.  This support comes in various forms, at central locations found to be safe, for domestic violence victims.  To further encourage assistance to victims of abuse, religious and faith-based communities should be asked to serve as safe havens where one can find the support and peace every person deserves.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.R. No. 31 and recommends that it be referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

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

____________________________

JOHN M. MIZUNO, Chair