STAND. COM. REP. NO. 366

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2021

RE: H.B. No. 224

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 224, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE STATE HEALTH PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Change the administration of the State Health Planning and Development Special Fund and divert excess monies in the Fund each year to the general fund;

(2) Amend certain provisions for the certificate of need process; and

(3) Appropriate funds for permanent positions within the State Health Planning and Development Agency.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the State Health Planning and Development Agency, Elder Care 808, and one individual. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from Liberty Dialysis-Hawaii/Fresenius Medical Care North America. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Hawaii Primary Care Association and Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition.

Your Committee finds that revamping the administration of the State Health Planning and Development Agency as proposed in this measure will support its functions and operations through use of special funds for personnel expenditures. In addition, the provision of additional fees and fines envisioned by this measure will help to increase funds in the State Health Planning and Development Special Fund. Your Committee notes that this measure will enable the State Health Planning and Development Agency to support itself and perform its statutory functions.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 224, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,

____________________________

AARON LING JOHANSON, Chair