State House to Recognize Maui Caregivers

Rep. Mele Carroll. File photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

State House Human Services Chair Mele Carroll of Maui will deliver the keynote address during a recognition event tonight in honor of Maui caregivers.

During the 2013 legislative session, House lawmakers passed a bill that establishes a working group for the transition of all home and community-based caregiving facilities from the Department of Human Services to the Department of Health. The bill is aimed at improving the industry in Hawaiʻi.

The bill includes a shift in oversight for foster family homes, adult residential care homes, adult day care centers and foster homes, caregivers of persons with developmental or intellectual disabilities, and licensed case management agencies.

The legislature also passed a bill in 2008 to acknowledge Caregivers Recognition Day.  This is the first event honoring caregivers on Maui since the law was established five years ago.

Others expected to attend the Maui Caregivers Night are House Speaker Joseph Souki, Rep. John Mizuno, and Rep. Kaniela Ing.

Tonight’s event begins ta 6 p.m. at Tante’s Island Cuisine in Kahului.