STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3242

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.C.R. No. 256

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fifth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2010

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Human Services, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 256 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES TO EXAMINE AND EVALUATE THE VERACITY, EXTENT, AND EFFECT OF CERTAIN ALLEGATIONS OF SHORTCOMINGS OF PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to request the Department of Human Services (DHS) to examine and evaluate allegations of shortcomings of programs for adults with special needs.

     Your Committee recognizes that adults with special needs comprise a vulnerable population and require diligent care.  It is also noted that DHS contracts with various agencies to provide services to this population, however, allegations of inadequacies and weaknesses in programs for adults with special needs have surfaced over the years.  Your Committee realizes that the problems may exist on many different levels, including improper training, miscommunication among employees, different expectations of parties, and differing guidelines between contracted companies.  There also may be a problem with pay scales not being commensurate with the employees' abilities.  All such areas of concerns should be subject to inquiry.

     Your Committee would like to stress that it is critical to thoroughly examine these allegations, as it is vital that this group of individuals is properly cared for in a safe and reasonable manner.

     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.C.R. No. 256, and recommends its adoption.

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

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SUZANNE CHUN OAKLAND, Chair