Report Title:
Multi-Purpose Senior Centers; Funding
Description:
Requires the office on aging to ensure availability of multi-purpose senior centers by establishing state-operated centers or providing funding assistance to county or private nonprofit centers.
THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
882 |
TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2003 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO multi-purpose senior centers.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that senior citizens benefit from, and deserve access to, senior centers that provide community-based services to elders. Although families have the primary responsibility for caring for their elder members, the legislature finds that the State, in partnership with the private sector, can play a role in assisting families in their effort to care for their elders.
Multi-purpose senior centers typically provide health (including mental health), social, nutritional, educational, and recreational programs and services for Hawaii's elders. These centers are thriving in response to a great public demand for their services as elders need to remain active in order to age with dignity and continue to live productive lives. The centers also alleviate the pressure to institutionalize elderly who are ambulatory, but need companionship and some assistance during the day while their families are at work.
The legislature further finds that State funding for multi-purpose senior centers is critical to their survival. The governor recently extended state funding for the Lanakila multi-purpose senior center and the Moiliili multi-purpose senior center through June 30, 2004. Funding through the executive office on aging was set to expire on June 30, 2003, but the governor noted that these centers play a vital role in keeping older people healthy and happy in the community. Keeping the elderly healthy and happy serves to deter the effects of aging.
The purpose of this Act is to ensure the State's continued support of multi-purpose senior centers.
SECTION 2. Section 349-11, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"[[]§349-11[]] State policy and funding for multi-purpose senior centers. (a) The executive office on aging shall be responsible for establishing state policy for multi-purpose senior centers. Such policy shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
(1) Establishment of comprehensive long range and immediate goals and objectives pursuant to chapter 349;
(2) Establishment of state standards for the operation and maintenance of multi-purpose senior centers;
(3) Establishment of priorities for program implementation and of alternatives for program implementation;
(4) Delineation of the separate and mutual roles, responsibilities, and authorities of the State and of the several counties relative to the development and administration of multi-purpose senior centers and [senior center] their programs; and
(5) Establishment of a mechanism to provide for the effective monitoring of multi-purpose senior centers and [senior center] their programs.
(b) The office shall ensure the availability of a network of multi-purpose senior centers throughout the State by:
(1) Establishing state operated multi-purpose senior centers;
(2) Awarding grants or subsidies to county agencies or private nonprofit organizations that operate multi-purpose senior centers; or
(3) Contracting with county agencies or private nonprofit organizations to operate multi-purpose senior centers.
For purposes of this section, "multi-purpose senior center" means a facility that offers an array of community-based programs and services to the elderly, including but not limited to, educational, social, and recreational activities; health and nutrition counseling; volunteer opportunities; and a clearinghouse of available programs and services."
SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
INTRODUCED BY: |
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