HI HB2516

Appropriates unspecified general revenue funds to the Department of Health for fiscal year 2012-2013 to address early childhood obesity through data collection, awareness campaigns, community-based health initiatives, and establishment of a task force to develop childhood obesity prevention legislation.

Expands the Hawaii Early Intervention Coordinating Council from 15 to 22 members to ensure compliance with federal requirements and include additional stakeholders such as representatives from children's mental health, homeless education programs, child care, foster care, and Head Start agencies.

Increases parent membership on the council to at least 20 percent (at least 4-5 members) with at least one parent of an infant or toddler with special needs aged six years or younger.

Establishes conflict-of-interest provisions prohibiting council members from voting on matters providing direct financial benefit and bars Department of Health members from serving as council chairperson.

Modifies council functions to include advising the Department of Education on transitions of toddlers with special needs to preschool services and increases the quorum requirement from 8 to 12 members.