STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3395

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 1776

       H.D. 2

       S.D. 1

Honorable Donna Mercado Kim

President of the Senate

Twenty-Seventh State Legislature

Regular Session of 2014

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 1776, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to require children to undergo a physical examination prior to attending seventh grade beginning with the 2015-2016 school year.

     In addition, this measure appropriates funds to the Department of Education for any necessary costs and expenses incurred for requiring children to complete a physical examination prior to attending seventh grade.

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Education, the Department of Health, Hawaii Primary Care Association, Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, American Academy of Pediatrics, Hale Kipa Inc., and three individuals.

     Your Committee finds that rising obesity rates and other health issues have prompted many initiatives to ensure that children are being provided with healthy food choices and receiving the appropriate amount of physical exercise.  Your Committee further finds that preventive measures, such as a physical examination, can provide early detection of health-related factors that may be detrimental to a child's physical or emotional development.  Your Committee believes that this measure reflects the State's commitment to ensuring the health and success of Hawaii students and recognizes the Department of Education's vital role in the health and well-being of its students while providing the essential service of educating Hawaii's youth.

     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 is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1776, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

____________________________

DAVID Y. IGE, Chair