STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3032

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2503

S.D. 2

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Commerce and Consumer Protection and Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2503, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EQUITY,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Require all places of public accommodation and state building constructions constructed after December 31, 2024, to provide universal changing accommodations that are equally accessible regardless of gender; and

(2) Require state building construction projects that are bid on after June 30, 2025, to include universal changing accommodations that are equally accessible regardless of gender, when doing so is feasible and cost effective.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Accounting and General Services, Disability and Communication Access Board, State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Stonewall Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi Youth Services Network, and four individuals.

Your Committees received comments on this measure from the Retail Merchants of Hawaii.

Your Committees find that universal changing stations, which generally have height-adjustable, adult-size changing tables that can accommodate all persons, are necessary in places of public accommodation, such as restaurants, hotels, and movie theaters, to allow individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in the activities and enjoyments of everyday life. By requiring new public accommodations and state buildings to provide universal changing accommodations, this measure will provide safe, hygienic, and dignified access to public restrooms for individuals who may not be able to access standard accessible restrooms, and move Hawaii ever closer towards its goal of achieving a truly inclusive society.

Your Committees have amended this measure by:

(1) Inserting an effective date of July 1, 2040, to encourage further discussion; and

(2) Making a technical, nonsubstantive amendment for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Commerce and Consumer Protection and Ways and Means that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2503, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2503, S.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Commerce and Consumer Protection and Ways and Means,

________________________________ DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair

________________________________ JARRETT KEOHOKALOLE, Chair