STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2319

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2391

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred S.B. No. 2391 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE ZERO TO THREE COURT,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Establish a Zero to Three Program Coordinator position;

(2) Expand the Zero to Three Court Program to the Third Circuit; and

(3) Appropriate funds.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Judiciary, Department of Health, Department of Human Services, Hawaii State Bar Association, West Hawai‘i Bar Association, Hawaii County Bar Association, and one individual. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Budget and Finance.

Your Committee finds that the period between one and three years of age is critical to the healthy development of a child. Your Committee further finds that instability and trauma in the life of a child during the early formative period can interrupt healthy patterns of growth and development, resulting in increased risk for numerous behavioral and developmental problems that can detrimentally impact the child's future. Your Committee additionally finds that the Zero to Three Court has been established by the Judiciary to meet the needs of very young children and ensure that they can be placed in safe, permanent homes as quickly as possible. This measure provides funds to continue the Zero to Three Court Program in the Third Circuit so that the children in the County of Hawai‘i may live in healthy and safe environments.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2391 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 Judiciary,

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KARL RHOADS, Chair