SB2457 HD1

Report Title:

UH, Research, Cloning, stem Cells

Description:

Makes appropriation to the department of anatomy and reproductive biology at UH to conduct research on cloning mouse stem cells. (SB2457 HD1)

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2457
TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2002		S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII		H.D. 1

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

RELATING TO MOUSE EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the University of Hawaii's department of anatomy and reproductive biology has been extremely successful in animal cloning research. In 1998, a research team lead by Dr. Ryuzo Yanagimachi from the University of Hawaii captured international attention with the announcement of the successful cloning of more than fifty identical mice in three generations through the "Honolulu Technique"--a unique methodology that only the University of Hawaii and two other research corporations are able to legally employ. This restricted access to the "Honolulu Technique" puts the University of Hawaii at an advantage in mouse embryo research and should therefore be capitalized upon.

The successful cloning of mice proved that viable mammalian offspring may be produced from adult somatic cells. Such research could eventually lead to more efficient and less controversial methods of producing embryonic stem cells. The development and perfection of this protocol will allow scientists to derive stem cells without using actual fertilized embryos, helping to lay to rest the moral issues associated with using actual fertilized embryos for research purposes. Thus, the long-term research goals at the University of Hawaii pertain to the isolation and use of embryonic stem cells to replace dysfunctional cells and tissues that cause certain diseases and disorders in animal models.

Stem cell research may lead to the development of effective treatments for heart disease, diabetes, cancer, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and many other ailments that have plagued our society for years. Recent advancements in science and technology have offered hope to individuals whose lives have been drastically interrupted with the onset of such devastating illnesses. The emerging field of regenerative medicine focuses on developing techniques in which stem cells are used therapeutically to replace damaged tissue. Thus stem cells have the potential to save thousands of lives. Because scientists use animal models as predictive instruments for human response, research on animal models is pivotal for the advancement of such research.

Although Hawaii is taking bold steps to vastly improve its biotechnology industry, researchers at the University of Hawaii constantly deal with financial difficulties. World-renowned professors such as Dr. Yanagimachi and his research associates are working diligently to write proposals for National Institute of Health grants to gain the needed financial resources. Obtaining these grants requires a long process that does not guarantee actual funds for research. It may unfortunately be the case that top-notch scientists remain benched in their facilities due to the lack of financial support, while research projects that could otherwise be accomplished remain as mere reveries of eager scientists.

The legislature further finds that the University of Hawaii's department of anatomy and reproductive biology stands at the threshold of unprecedented opportunities to build further on its research, which may eventually lead to greater international prominence and excellence. Unfortunately, the lack of adequate resources greatly reduces the department's chances to actively pursue and influence the development of advanced research techniques. There is also the potential that successful research in this area would result in financial return to the State.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to conduct research on cloning mouse stem cells to provide a crucial bridge toward curing devastating illnesses in humans.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2002-2003 for the department of anatomy and reproductive biology at the University of Hawaii to conduct research on mouse embryos to develop novel techniques for deriving mouse embryonic stem cells.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the University of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2002.