STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1416

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2011

RE:   H.C.R. No. 266

      H.D. 1

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Sixth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2011

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Health, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 266 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING OCTOBER OF EACH YEAR AS "DOWN SYNDROME EDUCATION AWARENESS MONTH" IN HAWAII,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this concurrent resolution is to increase awareness of one of the most commonly occurring chromosomal conditions, Down syndrome, and the abilities of, and educational opportunities for, individuals with this condition by recognizing October as Down Syndrome Awareness Month in Hawaii.

     A concerned individual testified in support of this measure.  The Department of Education (DOE) opposed this measure.

     Your Committee has amended this concurrent resolution by:

     (1)  Clarifying that October should be recognized simply as Down Syndrome Awareness Month in Hawaii;

     (2)  Changing its title to read:  "RECOGNIZING OCTOBER OF EACH YEAR AS "DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH" IN HAWAII";

     (3)  Deleting the request that DOE develop guidelines for a lifelong learning approach for individuals with Down syndrome and to extend sign language instruction with speech to students with Down syndrome who can hear; and

     (4)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for clarity, consistency, and style.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 266, as amended herein, and recommends its adoption in the form attached hereto as H.C.R. No. 266, H.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health,

____________________________

RYAN I. YAMANE, Chair