STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3532

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 1778

H.D. 1

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2018

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 1778, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO WORKERS' COMPENSATION MEDICAL BENEFITS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to improve firefighters' access to comprehensive medical coverage while addressing medical coverage for specific organs affected by diseases arising out of, and in the course of, their employment.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the State Fire Council; County of Hawaii, Mayor's Office; Hawaii Fire Department; Hawaii Fire Fighters Association, Local 1463; and Oahu County Committee on Legislative Priorities of the Democratic Party of Hawai`i.

The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations submitted written comments on the measure.

Your Committee finds that this measure will help to ensure that firefighters receive proper medical treatment in a timely manner while reducing the emotional toil, financial burden, and impact of a decreased quality of life on firefighters diagnosed with cancer and their family members.

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. 1778, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

________________________________

DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair