STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3208

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 2224

       H.D. 2

       S.D. 2

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. 2224, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO GROUP HOMES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to require the Department of Health to establish a voluntary clean and sober homes registry to assist persons recovering from substance abuse to have a safe, clean, and sober environment that supports their recovery.

     The measure also:

     (1)  Amends the county zoning statute to better align functions of state and county jurisdictions with federal law with regard to housing for persons with disabilities; and

     (2)  Appropriates an unspecified amount for staffing and operating costs to plan, establish, and operate the registry of clean and sober homes.

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Health and the Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition.

     Your Committee finds that clean and sober homes allow individuals to return to the community through support in an alcohol- and drug-free, home-like environment, without the rigid structure of a therapeutic living program.  Your Committee further finds that neighboring residents have expressed concerns regarding the legality of the operation of clean and sober homes in their immediate vicinity and the poor conduct of some residents of the clean and sober homes.  Your Committee believes that this measure will balance the needs of those requiring the support of clean and sober homes and the concerns of community members where those homes are located.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Changing the effective date from July 1, 2014, to July 1, 2050, to facilitate further discussion on the measure; and

     (2)  Making technical nonsubstantive changes for purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

     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. 2224, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2224, H.D. 2, S.D. 2.

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

____________________________

DAVID Y. IGE, Chair