STAND. COM. REP. NO. 884

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 1234

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 1234, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO PANDEMIC RESPONSE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to address the demand for essential supplies to confront the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Specifically, this measure amends Act 9, Session Laws of Hawaii 2020, to authorize the use of federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) moneys to purchase and distribute personal protective equipment, industrial hygiene products, and COVID-19 tests to state departments and attached agencies.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Defense, State Procurement Office, Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, and Hawaii Primary Care Association.

Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of Education.

Your Committee finds that as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, there remains a high demand for personal protective equipment, industrial hygiene supplies, and COVID-19 tests. Accordingly, your Committee finds that this measure allows the State to maximize its use of federal CARES Act moneys by authorizing the purchase of these critical supplies.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1234, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair