STAND. COM. REP. NO. 843

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2019

RE: H.B. No. 146

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 146, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to address zoonotic diseases, which are animal diseases that can be transmitted to humans including bird flu and rat lungworm disease, by establishing and appropriating funds for a permanent Veterinary Medical Officer position in the Department of Health.

The Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association and O‘ahu County Committee on Legislative Priorities of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i submitted testimony in support of this measure. The Department of Health offered comments on this measure.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 146, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,

____________________________

SYLVIA LUKE, Chair