Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-First State Legislature

Third Special Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 2 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to establish the Temporary Health Insurance for Unemployed Persons Program (Program) to assist individuals and families who have lost their jobs as a result of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks by:

(1) Extending temporary health insurance benefits to

The events of September 11^th not only had an impact on a national level but also affected the people of Hawaii, both directly and indirectly. As a result of these terrible acts, there has been a downturn in the national economy, as well as a dramatic decline in both the number of scheduled flights and the number of tourists coming to Hawaii. This has had a tremendous effect on Hawaii's families, as both tourism and non-tourism related industries have faltered, forcing many of Hawaii's people to file for unemployment.

Assisting Hawaii's families affected by this tragedy is one reason the Governor has convened a special session. The sense of ohana is an aspect of Hawaii that makes it such a special place. Hawaii's families have always been known for their generosity towards others, but many of them will not be able to support themselves during this economic downturn. Your Committee feels that it is imperative that programs, such as the Temporary Health Insurance for Unemployed Persons Program, be implemented to support our ohana in getting through these difficult times.

It is the intent of your Committee that the funds appropriated for the temporary health insurance for unemployed persons program and for reimbursements to those eligible under COBRA, be made available on a priority basis to those who demonstrate the greatest need. It is the further intent of your Committee to have the Department of Human Services and the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to develop a needs assessment process to determine a person's priority to receive assistance under the temporary health insurance for unemployed persons program and for reimbursements under COBRA, respectively.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be placed on the calendar for Third Reading.