STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1768

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 705

H.D. 1

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 705, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE ON AGING,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to assist underserved populations in obtaining and retaining medical and prescription drug insurance.

Specifically, this measure:

(1) Establishes a temporary Medi-medi Project within the Hawaii State Health Insurance Assistance Program to assist certain individuals to obtain insurance benefits;

(2) Requires the Executive Office on Aging to submit a report on the program to the Legislature; and

(3) Appropriates an unspecified sum for the program.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Disability and Communication Access Board, Executive Office on Aging, Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, AARP Hawaii, AlohaCare, Democratic Party of Hawai’i, Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs, and one individual.

Your Committee finds that many older adults, individuals with disabilities, those who speak English as a second language, and those who live in rural areas often face significant challenges in navigating the complex landscape of health benefits. Your Committee believes that establishing the Medi-medi Project can help to address these challenges and assist individuals in obtaining the insurance benefits to which they are entitled, thereby promoting greater access to healthcare and improving their quality of life.

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 H.B. No. 705, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

________________________________

DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair