STAND. COM. REP. NO.

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2003

RE: S.B. No. 1226

 

 

Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2003

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Labor, to which was referred S.B. No. 1226 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH INSURANCE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish the Hawaii Employers' Mutual Health Insurance Company to provide health insurance to Hawaii employers.

Testimony in support of this measure was submitted by two private businesses.

Testimony in opposition to this measure was submitted by the Hawaii Medical Service Association and the Hawaii Independent Insurance Agents Association.

Comments on this measure were submitted by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, who indicated it was taking no position on the measure, and the Office of Informational Practices, who indicated it was deferring to the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

Your Committee finds that sole proprietors and small businesses in Hawaii are in need of quality and affordable health insurance coverage. Your Committee determines that the establishment of the Hawaii Employers' Mutual Health Insurance Company will provide employers with the highest standard of health benefits and be responsive to each policyholder's experience, practice, and operating effectiveness.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Labor that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1226 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Housing.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Labor,

____________________________

BRIAN KANNO, Chair