STAND. COM. REP. NO. 947

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 1419

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 S.B. No. 1419, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ACT 253, SESSION LAWS OF HAWAII 2023,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to amend Act 253, Session Laws of Hawaii 2023, to better meet the needs of blind and low-vision individuals.

Specifically, this measure:

(1) Renames the Neighbor Islands Blind and Visually Impaired Service Pilot Program as the Neighbor Islands Blind and Low Vision Service Pilot Program; and

(2) Clarifies the objectives and timeline of the pilot program.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Human Services, National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii, Big Island Deaf Club, Signs of Fun Organization, and three individuals.

Your Committee finds that Act 253, Session Laws of Hawaii 2023, established the Neighbor Islands Blind and Visually Impaired Pilot Program within the Department of Human Services. Your Committee further finds that the implementation of the pilot program was delayed until July 2024 because Department of Human Services staff were responding to the needs of those who were impacted by the 2023 Maui wildfires.

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. 1419, 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