STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1216

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    H.B. No. 1355

       H.D. 2

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Human Services, to which was referred H.B. No. 1355, H.D. 2, entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE STATE COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate funds for operational expenses of the State Commission on the Status of Women.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Human Services, Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest and Hawaii, American Association of University Women of Hawaii, Hawaii Women's Coalition, and one individual.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from two individuals.

 

     Your Committee finds that for over fifty years, the State Commission on the Status of Women has served as the main consultant to policymakers and as the central clearinghouse for women's resources.  The Commission has also been instrumental in coordinating the three county commissions on women, producing statewide research, and supporting community programs on the most marginalized issues affecting women and girls.  Your Committee further finds that the work of the State Commission on the Status of Women demonstrates the need for a continuing body to aid in the implementation of its recommendations, develop long-range goals, and coordinate research, planning, programming, and action on the opportunities, needs, problems, and contributions of women in Hawaii.  This measure will provide the State Commission on the Status of Women the necessary funds to better fulfill the Commission's mandates and continue to be a voice and resource for Hawaii's women and girls.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1355, H.D. 2, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Human Services,

 

 

 

________________________________

RUSSELL E. RUDERMAN, Chair