STAND. COM. REP. NO. 13

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 347

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. 347 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO MOBILE CLINICS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate funds for establishing, staffing, and operating two mobile clinics to serve the homeless population.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from The Queen's Health Systems and three individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Governor's Coordinator on Homelessness and Department of Human Services.

     Your Committee finds that homelessness continues to be one of the State's most significant and challenging social problems.  Homeless persons face a myriad of issues, including general health issues, mental illness, and substance abuse.

     Your Committee further finds that mobile clinics are increasing in popularity across the nation as government entities find ways to address the health care needs of the homeless population.  In places such as Denver, Colorado; Seattle, Washington; and San Jose, California, mobile clinics offer a variety of free health care services for local homeless populations, saving significant costs on emergency room visits.

     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. 347 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 Human Services,

________________________________

JOSH GREEN, Chair