STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3205

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                   

 

RE:     H.B. No. 1772

        H.D. 1

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was referred H.B. No. 1772, H.D. 1, entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO FALL PREVENTION,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate funds to support the Department of Health's Senior Fall Prevention Campaign.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Executive Office on Aging, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Disability and Communication Access Board, AARP Hawaiʻi, Alzheimer's Association–Aloha Chapter, Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi, Hawaii State Teachers Association-Retired, and three individuals.

 

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

 

     Your Committee finds that fall related injuries disproportionately impact the State's elderly population, often resulting in a long-term disability.  Your Committee further finds that this impacts their quality of life and puts a strain on the State's medical system, rehabilitation system, and family caregivers.  This measure appropriates funds to the Department of Health's successful Senior Fall Prevention Program to reduce the incidence of preventable falls and safeguard the health and safety of the State's seniors.

 

     Your Committee notes that this measure contains an appropriation for an unspecified amount.  Your Committee further notes that this measure, as introduced, contained an appropriation amount of $100,000.  Accordingly, should your Committee on Ways and Means choose to deliberate on this measure, your Committee respectfully requests that it consider inserting this original appropriation amount.

 

     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. 1772, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

 

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

 

 

 

________________________________

JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair