PART I. GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

Note

 

  Sections 349-1 to 349-11 designated as part I by L 2007, c 93,§3.

 

§349-1  Declaration of purpose; support;duties.  (a)  The legislature hereby declares that, in keeping with thetraditional American concept of the inherent dignity of the individual in ourdemocratic society, the older people of our State are entitled to, and it isthe joint and several duty and responsibility of the State of Hawaii and itscounties to enable our older people to secure equal opportunity to the full andfree enjoyment of the following:

(1)  An adequate income in retirement in accordancewith the American standard of living.

(2)  The best possible physical and mental healthwhich science can make available, without regard to economic status.

(3)  Suitable housing, independently selected,designed, and located with reference to special needs and available at costswhich older citizens can afford.

(4)  Full restorative services for those who requireinstitutional care.

(5)  Opportunity for employment with no discriminatorypersonnel practices because of age.

(6)  Retirement in health, honor, and dignity.

(7)  Pursuit of meaningful activity within the widestrange of civic, cultural, and recreational opportunities.

(8)  Efficient community services which provide socialassistance in a coordinated manner and which are readily available when needed.

(9)  Immediate benefit from proven research knowledgewhich can sustain and improve health and happiness.

(10)  Freedom, independence, and the free exercise ofindividual initiative in planning and managing their own lives.

(b)  In support of the declaration of purposein subsection (a), it shall be the policy of the State and its counties to:

(1)  Make available comprehensive programs whichinclude a full range of health, education, and social services to our olderresidents who need them;

(2)  Give full and special consideration to olderresidents with special needs in planning such programs; and, pending theavailability of such programs for all older residents, give priority to elderswith the greatest economic and social need;

(3)  Provide comprehensive programs which will assurethe coordinated delivery of a full range of essential services to our olderresidents, and where applicable, also furnish meaningful employmentopportunities for individuals, including older persons from the community; and

(4)  Insure that the planning and operation of suchprograms will be undertaken as a partnership of older residents, the at-largecommunity, and the State and its counties with appropriate assistance from thefederal government.

(c)  It shall be the duty and responsibility ofevery state department and county agency providing programs and services toelders to actively work toward the goals articulated in subsections (a) and (b)and to employ the State's policy as included in the state master plan forelders in the planning and implementation of their individual programs. [L1976, c 217, pt of §2; am L 1990, c 67, §8]

 

Cross References

 

  Housing for elders, see chapter 359, part III.