STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1899-22

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2022

RE: S.B. No. 2137

S.D. 2

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 2137, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TRANSITIONAL HOUSING,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to require the Department of Health and pertinent county agencies to work together to resolve problems and complaints regarding clean and sober homes.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Health and Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.

Your Committee finds that clean and sober homes are a critical strategy in assisting a person's recovery from substance use disorder. The transition from active addiction into lasting recovery is often difficult and emotionally trying for many with substance use disorder. Clean and sober homes provide a stable independent environment and living conditions that are free of alcohol and drugs to support and sustain the recovery process.

Your Committee further finds that surrounding communities have been frustrated with the poor performance of some clean and sober homes. This measure balances the need for continuing the operations of clean and sober homes to provide the necessary assistance and services to persons with substance use disorder, while ensuring that community concerns are addressed.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2137, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs,

____________________________

MARK M. NAKASHIMA, Chair