HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES             H.C.R. NO.23          
TWENTIETH LEGISLATURE, 1999                                
STATE OF HAWAII                                            
                                                             
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                     HOUSE  CONCURRENT
                        RESOLUTION

  REQUESTING A STUDY ON THE FEASIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING HEALTH
    AND WELLNESS CENTERS USING NATURAL RESOURCES ON THE ISLAND
    OF HAWAII.



 1        WHEREAS, traditions in the health and wellness industries
 2   (particularly in Japan) include enthusiastic support for
 3   holistic healing, naturopathic medicines, and facilities; and
 4   
 5        WHEREAS, Hawaii offers health and wellness benefits that
 6   are increasingly well-known in traditional and alternative
 7   medicinal treatment centers; and
 8   
 9        WHEREAS, Hawaii's naturopathic medical traditions in
10   herbal medicines, relaxation therapy, and holistic healing are
11   valuable skills and resources; and
12   
13        WHEREAS, the island of Hawaii's natural resources include
14   steam vents and natural hot springs in the Puna and Ka`u
15   Districts and other resources throughout the island; and
16   
17        WHEREAS, economic opportunities on the island of Hawaii
18   can be created by developing the cultural and natural resources
19   available for the health and wellness industries within the
20   context of community priorities; and
21   
22        WHEREAS, health and wellness centers, to include but not
23   be limited to traditional healing methods and practices, onsen
24   (hot springs), spa operations, and cultural instruction, can
25   provide a unique opportunity for sustainable economic
26   development on the island of Hawaii; now, therefore, 
27   
28        BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the
29   Twentieth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session
30   of 1999, the Senate concurring, that the Department of
31   Business, Economic Development, and Tourism and the Department
32   of Health, in consultation with Hawaii County and qualified
33   health practitioners conduct research into the feasibility of
34   and develop recommendations for the creation of health and
35   wellness centers on the island of Hawaii utilizing the island's

 
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                                  H.C.R. NO.            
                                                        
                                                        

 
 1   unique cultural and natural resources; and
 2   
 3        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Business,
 4   Economic Development, and Tourism shall report to the
 5   legislature prior to the next legislative session on the
 6   feasibility of developing health and wellness centers on the
 7   island of Hawaii and recommend a plan of action; and
 8   
 9        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this
10   Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Director of
11   Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, the Director of
12   Health, and the Mayor of Hawaii County.
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16                         OFFERED BY:  ____________________________