STAND. COM. REP. 987

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2003

RE: S.B. No. 78

S.D. 2

 

 

 

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 S.B. No. 78, S.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ELDER ABUSE,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to protect the elderly by:

(1) Authorizing the Attorney General to seek civil penalties on behalf of the State in cases involving the abuse or neglect of a dependent elder; and

(2) Providing for enhanced civil remedies in private lawsuits arising from the abuse or neglect of a dependent elder.

The Department of the Prosecuting Attorney of the City and County of Honolulu, AARP Hawaii, Advocates for Nursing Home Justice, and a concerned citizen testified in support of this bill. The Hawaii Long Term Care Association, Hawaii Coalition of Care Home Administrators, Christian Science Committee on Publication for Hawaii, Hawaii Medical Association, and a concerned individual supported the intent of this measure. Another concerned individual submitted comments.

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

Your Committees find that a number of states have already enacted some form of elder-justice legislation in an attempt to deter and punish elder abusers and provide elder victims with appropriate compensation. Hawaii should follow suit and take steps to protect our elderly.

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 S.B. No. 78, S.D. 2, 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