STAND. COM. REP. NO. 22

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 747

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2017

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Human Services, to which was referred S.B. No. 747 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ORDERS FOR IMMEDIATE PROTECTION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to require a finding of substantial evidence that a vulnerable adult has incurred abuse or is in danger of abuse prior to the issuance of an order for immediate protection when the vulnerable adult is living at home with a prognosis of six months or less to live.

     Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Department of the Attorney General.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Human Services and Judiciary.

     Your Committee finds that the immediate safety and welfare of vulnerable adults are of the utmost concern, especially for adults living at home with a prognosis of six months or less to live.  Your Committee also respects the wishes of many older adults who are vulnerable but prefer to age in place or manage their own affairs in their last few months of life.  This measure applies a standard of substantial evidence, rather than probable cause, to the seeking and granting of an order for immediate protection.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 747 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary and Labor.

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

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JOSH GREEN, Chair