STAND. COM. REP. NO. 321

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 389

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Government Operations, to which was referred S.B. No. 389 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EQUITY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to require all places of public accommodation and state building construction constructed after December 31, 2023, to provide universal changing accommodations that are equally accessible to men and women.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Disability and Communication Access Board, Epilepsy Foundation of Hawaii, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, and eight individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from two individuals.

Your Committee finds that families and caregivers of individuals with disabilities who require changing facilities have limited public options for safe and dignified accommodations. A fundamental goal of the Americans with Disabilities Act is to ensure people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to participate in basic civic activities and everyday affairs, such as going to a restaurant or movie theater. Universal changing stations are height adjustable and support up to three hundred pounds in weight. Your Committee further finds that incorporation of universal changing stations foster an environment of equity and inclusivity for the elderly and wheelchair-bound adults and adolescents.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Government Operations that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 389 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committees on Commerce and Consumer Protection and Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Government Operations,

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ANGUS L.K. MCKELVEY, Chair