HB2834 HSCR433-02

 

STAND. COM. REP. NO.433-02

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2002

RE: H.B. No. 2834

 

 

 

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 2834 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO PRESCRIPTION DRUGS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to reduce the cost of drugs for all residents by establishing the Hawaii Rx Program (Program). This Program will combine the purchasing power of all persons in the Program to reduce prescription drug costs.

Testimony in support of the measure was submitted by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, ILWU Local 142, Hawaii State AFL-CIO, President and Executive Director of Unity House, Inc., Hawaii Alliance For Retired Americans, AARP Hawaii, Kokua Council, Hawaii Catholic Conference, Healthcare Association of Hawaii, Hawaii State Teachers Association, Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs, and a concerned citizen. The Department of Health, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Executive Office On Aging, Board of Pharmacy, and Longs Drugs submitted testimony supporting the intent of the bill. The Department of Budget and Finance submitted comments on the bill. The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America opposed the measure.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2834 and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

 

		____________________________ DWIGHT Y. TAKAMINE, Chair