STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1787

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.C.R. No. 201

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 201 entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES TO CREATE A COMPACT OF FREE ASSOCIATION ADVISORY BODY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to urge the Department of Human Services to create a Compact of Free Association Advisory Board to undertake studies and make policy recommendations regarding health care coverage for residents from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and Republic of Palau.

Your Committee received written comments in support of the measure from the Department of Human Services, Parents and Children Together, and Kokua Kalihi Valley.

Your Committee finds that, based on their immigration status under the applicable compacts of free association, individuals from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and Republic of Palau face unique challenges in navigating state systems, particularly state-funded health insurance and health care programs. Analyses and recommendations are needed to determine the best approach for providing parity in state-funded health coverage for otherwise eligible individuals.

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 concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 201 and recommends its adoption.

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

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair