STAND. COM. REP. NO. 450

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 1026

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health and Human Services, to which was referred S.B. No. 1026 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE HEALTHY AGING PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate funds for the healthy aging partnership program to further the program's role in improving the health and well-being of Hawaii's kupuna.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Executive Office on Aging, Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs, Maui County Office on Aging, International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 142, Hawaii Chapter – American Physical Therapy Association, O‘ahu County Committee on Legislative Priorities of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i, and over one hundred thirty individuals.

Your Committees find that the Hawaii healthy aging partnership program improves the health of older adults by empowering residents to make healthy decisions and engage in healthier lifestyles. The healthy aging partnership program has successfully adapted evidence-based health promotion programs and disease prevention programs for the multicultural population in Hawaii and was nationally recognized for its achievements when it received the 2013 multicultural aging award from the American Society on Aging.

Your Committees further find that despite its track record of success, the healthy aging partnership program did not receive funding for fiscal year 2018-2019. Without adequate funding, the program will have to close. Funding the healthy aging partnership program is an important step toward meeting the first goal of the Hawaii State Plan on Aging and ensuring that the State will not lose a valuable program that maximizes opportunities for older adults to age well, remain active, and enjoy life in their communities.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health and Human Services that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1026 and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health and Human Services,

________________________________ RUSSELL E. RUDERMAN, Chair

________________________________ ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair