STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1289

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 1074

H.D. 1

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was referred H.B. No. 1074, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE ON AGING,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to clarify the definitions of "caregiver support services", "kupuna care services", and "respite care" for the Executive Office on Aging's Kupuna Care Program.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Executive Office on Aging and Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs.

Your Committee finds that existing law limits caregiver support services and respite care provided by the Executive Office on Aging's Kupuna Care Program solely to employed caregivers. According to testimony received by your Committee, of the approximately 155,000 caregivers in the State, the great majority provide care to a spouse, family member, or loved one at home and without compensation. Additionally, many of these caregivers are kupuna themselves. This measure would not only allow area agencies on aging to provide stipends, respite care, and other caregiver support services to all caregivers, regardless of employment status, but also ensures that all care recipients, caregivers, and employed caregivers have access to the necessary services and supports provided by the Kupuna Care Program.

Your Committee has amended this measure by making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health and Human Services that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1074, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1074, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection.

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

________________________________

JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair