STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1481

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 899

H.D. 2

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts, to which was referred H.B. No. 899, H.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to designate the month of September as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Month to promote public awareness of the risks of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition, and ten individuals.

Your Committee finds that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other national organizations recognize Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder awareness month as a time to inform the public on the causes, symptoms, and individuals who are diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. As the number one developmental disability that can be prevented, awareness is the most effective way to create systemic change to support individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. This measure provides a venue to advocate on the behalf of individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder who may have unmet needs in Hawaii's communities.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 899, H.D. 2, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts,

________________________________

CHRIS LEE, Chair