STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1646

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 237

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. 237, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO PEER SUPPORT PROGRAMS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to support parents and caregivers of children from birth to five years of age by appropriating moneys to the Family Health Services Division of the Department of Health to establish and oversee peer-to-peer support programs.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Health, Department of Human Services, AlohaCare, Commit to Keiki, Family Hui Hawaii, Guardian Capital Management Hawaii, Hawaii Community Foundation, and numerous individuals.

Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Executive Office on Early Learning.

Your Committee finds that parenting can be challenging, especially for families whose basic needs are unmet. These challenges can lead to mental health struggles, child abuse, neglect, and substance addiction, all of which can result in early childhood trauma for children. Your Committee further finds that peer-to-peer support programs can offer vital assistance to parents and caregivers, reducing negative practices and improving outcomes, while saving money through early investment in the prenatal-to-five-year time period.

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. 237, 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,

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair