STAND. COM. REP. 406

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2003

RE: H.B. No. 271

H.D. 1

 

 

 

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2003

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Human Services and Housing, to which was referred H.B. No. 271 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE NEEDS AND RIGHTS OF CHILDREN,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to appropriate funds to the Na Keiki Law Center to continue to provide protection and care for children in abusive situations.

Volunteer Legal Services of Hawaii, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, Hawaii Family Forum, Blueprint for Change, Keiki Injury Prevention Coalition, and many concerned individuals testified in support of this measure. Legal Aid Society of Hawaii opposed the measure, but suggested amendments. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations provided comments.

Your Committee heard compelling testimony detailing the lives of children who suffered from abuse or neglect, and were helped by Na Keiki Law Center that placed them in good homes with positive role-models. Your Committee strongly believes that organizations such as Na Keiki Law Center make a difference in providing protection and care for children in abusive situations.

 

Your Committee has amended this bill by:

(1) Expanding the appropriation to include all organizations providing legal services that aid in preserving the rights of children;

(2) Providing that the funds be used for services statewide;

(3) Changing the appropriation amounts to $1 to facilitate further discussion; and

(4) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for purposes of clarity, conformity, and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services and Housing that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 271, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 271,

H.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Human Services and Housing,

 

____________________________

MICHAEL PUAMAMO KAHIKINA, Chair