STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3092

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 2611

H.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 Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health, to which was referred H.B. No. 2611, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate funds to establish the following substance abuse treatment programs:

(1) A comprehensive and coordinated continuum of treatment services;

(2) A comprehensive and coordinated centralized referral system in each county;

(3) A comprehensive and coordinated substance use disorder case management program; and

(4) A peer mentoring and coaching program.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Health, Hawai‘i Substance Abuse Coalition, Drug Policy Forum of Hawai‘i, Mental Health America of Hawai‘i, O‘ahu County Committee on Legislative Priorities of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i, Salvation Army Addiction Treatment Services and Family Treatment Services, Life Foundation and the CHOW Project, and two individuals.

Your Committee finds that substance abuse disorders pose a pervasive public health concern and that individuals suffering from substance abuse disorders frequently have other health conditions that complicate treatment. Substance abuse disorders affect multiple segments of the community, making a multi-systemic approach, such as the initiatives proposed to be funded by this measure, particularly instrumental in addressing these disorders. Your Committee further finds that this measure aligns with ongoing work to implement a broad system of care that includes substance abuse prevention, treatment and recovery support, a centralized statewide referral system, use of case managers who have been trained to effectively assist individuals with multiple, chronic conditions, and peer mentoring, which is a national best practice that connects individuals with substance abuse disorders to peers with firsthand experience in recovery or other individuals who can provide needed support.

Your Committee notes that this measure has an effective date of July 1, 3000, and a blank appropriation amount, and requests that your Committee on Ways and Means insert an appropriate effective date and appropriation amount.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2611, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health,

________________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair