STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2798

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2289

S.D. 2

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2289, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO KALAUPAPA,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to clarify the reporting requirements for the Department of Health regarding Kalaupapa Settlement.

More specifically, this measure:

(1) Requires the Department of Health to:

(A) Include in its annual report on the Kalaupapa Settlement details and updated information regarding the permanent transfer of the Department's powers and duties over Kalaupapa Settlement to other governmental entities; and

(B) Report on its community engagement efforts with community stakeholders and the Molokai community; and

(2) Requires the Governor to issue a proclamation to affirm the date of completion of the transfer of all powers and duties of the Department of Health regarding Kalaupapa Settlement.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Health, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and one individual.

Your Committee received written comments on this measure from Ka Ohana O Kalaupapa and one individual.

Your Committee finds that it is imperative for the Legislature to remain informed and updated regarding plans for the future transfer of the Department of Health's existing statutory jurisdiction over Kalawao County and other duties related to Kalaupapa. Your Committee further recognizes the importance of community involvement in decision-making regarding the future of Kalaupapa.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Clarifying that the transfer of the Department of Health's powers and duties over Kalaupapa Settlement will be to qualified non-governmental entities as well as governmental entities; and

(2) Adding Ka Ohana O Kalaupapa and a non-governmental organization from the non-peninsular area of Molokai to the transition team.

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 is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2289, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2289, S.D. 2.

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

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair