STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1366-24

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2024

RE: H.R. No. 22

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Human Services, to which was referred H.R. No. 22 entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION URGING THE GOVERNOR AND PERTINENT STATE AGENCIES TO COMMIT TO PROVIDE CULTURALLY APPROPRIATE RESOURCES, SERVICES, AND PROGRAMS FOR NATIVE HAWAIIAN INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES EXPERIENCING INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to urge the Governor and pertinent State agencies to commit to provide culturally appropriate resources, services, and programs for Native Hawaiian individuals and families experiencing intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii State Department of Health; Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities; and Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Your Committee received comments on this measure from ʻApoākea (Infinite Reach) Native Hawaiian Innovation Institute.

Your Committee finds that intellectual and developmental disabilities are often lifelong disabilities that may involve challenges that affect intellectual functioning and adaptive functioning, or a person’s ability to learn, reason, communicate, socialize, or perform self—care tasks. Your Committee further finds that implementing programs and services with Native Hawaiian cultural focuses and contexts can serve as effective care for individuals with disabilities.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.R. No. 22 and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

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

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LISA MARTEN, Chair