STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1580

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.C.R. No. 14

Honorable Donna Mercado Kim

President of the Senate

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2015

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Human Services and Housing, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 14 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE OLDER AMERICANS ACT AND DESIGNATING MAY AS "OLDER AMERICANS MONTH" IN HAWAII,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to recognize the fiftieth anniversary of the Older Americans Act and designate May as "Older Americans Month" in Hawaii.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Executive Office on Aging, AARP Hawaii, and three individuals.

     Your Committee finds that the Older Americans Act, which passed Congress in 1965, has been instrumental in improving the well-being of older persons across the country.  Specifically, the Older Americans Act has helped deliver nutrition and social services to older persons, community service employment for low-income older Americans, and support for vulnerable elder rights protection.  The Act has also fostered programs that help seniors live independently and established a nationwide "Aging Network" to assist older adults in meeting their needs and maintaining their well-being.  Your Committee further finds that the Older Americans Act has provided programs and services for Native Hawaiian elders.  Your Committee notes the importance of recognizing older persons in Hawaii, as the number of residents age sixty and over is projected to make up almost thirty percent of Hawaii's population by the year 2035.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services and Housing that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 14, and recommends its adoption.

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

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SUZANNE CHUN OAKLAND, Chair