STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1160-04

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2004

RE: H.R. No. 149

 

 

 

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2004

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Education, to which was referred H.R. No. 149 entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO EXPLORE THE FEASIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING ALTERNATIVE SCHOOLS OR DROPOUT CENTERS FOR ADOLESCENTS WHO SUFFER FROM DRUG ADDICTION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this resolution is to request the Department of Education (DOE) to explore the feasibility of establishing alternative schools or dropout centers for adolescents who suffer from drug addiction.

The Hawaii Youth Services Network and a concerned citizen supported this measure. DOE and Hale `Opio Kaua`i, Inc., supported the intent of this measure.

Your Committee concurs with the conclusion the Joint House-Senate Task Force on Ice and Drug Abatement - (Task Force) that early intervention and drug treatment are important steps against the spread of crystal methamphetamine addiction. The Task Force also found that school-based treatment programs are successful in returning students to a drug-free lifestyle. Adolescents who drop out of school no longer have access to school-based treatment programs and have nowhere to turn to for help with drug addiction, except for the juvenile justice system or privately-paid treatment. Your Committee finds that alternative programs for school dropouts would benefit "at risk" children.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Education that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.R. No. 149 and recommends that it be referred to the Committee on Finance.

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

 

____________________________

ROY M. TAKUMI, Chair