STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2322

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2335

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Human Services, to which was referred S.B. No. 2335 entitled:

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

begs 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 Committee 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 Family Caregiver Coalition, Hawaii Primary Care Association, AARP Hawaii, Kokua Council, and four individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from one individual.

Your Committee finds that the Hawaii healthy aging partnership program was established in 2003 to improve the health status of older adults by empowering residents to make healthy decisions and engage in healthier lifestyles. Since its formation, the healthy aging partnership program has successfully adapted evidence-based health promotion programs and disease prevention programs for the multicultural population in Hawaii. Participants may engage in two evidenced-based interventions. First, better choices better health – ke ola pono, also known nationwide as the chronic disease self-management program, is an evidence-based program where individuals with chronic or ongoing medical conditions can learn how to effectively manage their health conditions to improve their quality of life. The second intervention is EnhanceFitness, which is an effective, research-driven exercise program to improve the overall functional fitness and well-being of older adults. Because of the many accomplishments of the healthy aging partnership program, the program received the 2013 multicultural aging award from the American Society on Aging. This accomplishment brought further recognition to the program's role in improving the health of Hawaii's diverse aging population.

Your Committee further finds that the healthy aging partnership program received funding for fiscal year 2017-2018 through Act 103, Session Laws of Hawaii 2017. The program did not receive funding for fiscal year 2018-2019 but received funding for fiscal year 2019-2020 through Act 124, Session Laws of Hawaii 2019. Without continued funding, the program will have to close and the Executive Office on Aging will not be able to meet the first goal of the Hawaii state plan on aging, which strives to maximize opportunities for older adults to age well, remain active, and enjoy life in their communities.

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 S.B. No. 2335 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,

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RUSSELL E. RUDERMAN, Chair