STAND. COM. REP. NO. 766

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2023

RE: H.B. No. 933

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 933, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACCESS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH PRINT DISABILITIES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to require the Public Utilities Commission to use Universal Service Fund monies to provide free telecommunications access to certain information for individuals with print disabilities.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Disability and Communication Access Board, National Organization of Parents of Blind Children, National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii, and two individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Department of Human Services, Public Utilities Commission, and Hawaiian Telcom.

Your Committee finds that access to time-sensitive information, such as certain information in public notices, emergency alerts, job opportunities, and daily newspapers, is vitally important and may be difficult for persons with print disabilities. This measure ensures that persons with print disabilities have timely telephonic access to such information.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 933, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,

____________________________

MARK M. NAKASHIMA, Chair