STAND. COM. REP. 502

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2003

RE: H.B. No. 519

 

 

 

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2003

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Human Services and Housing and Health, to which was referred H.B. No. 519 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE ELDER JUSTICE ACT,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to protect dependent elders through the establishment of the Elder Justice Act. More specifically, this bill would increase penalties for abuse, neglect, or economic exploitation of dependent elders.

The Department of the Prosecuting Attorney of the City and County of Honolulu, University of Hawaii Elder Law Program, and an individual testified in support of this bill. The Department of Human Services and Executive Office on Aging testified in support of the intent of this measure.

With the aging of Hawaii's population, elder abuse is becoming more and more prevalent. This most vulnerable segment of our population has been subjected to abuse, neglect, and economic exploitation simply because they are oftentimes dependent on others for their care. The prevention, detection, and reporting of elder abuse are key in addressing this issue. Protecting our most vulnerable citizens remains a high priority for our government and communities.

 

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Human Services and Housing and Health that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 519 and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

 

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

 

____________________________

DENNIS A. ARAKAKI, Chair

____________________________

MICHAEL PUAMAMO KAHIKINA, Chair