HR28

WHEREAS, in a 2019 report entitled "E Ola Mau a Mau: The Next Generation of Native Hawaiian Health", Papa Ola Lokahi observed that there has been increased oral health research over the last thirty years, with more scholarly publications and increased interest in and understanding of oral health needs; and

WHEREAS, the report recognized that linking patients to prevention and treatment through school-based oral health education, screening and referral programs, dental case management, and pediatricians' offices is effective; and

WHEREAS, the report, among other findings, determined that:

(1) Native Hawaiian adults have higher rates of tooth loss than Caucasian and Japanese adults;

(2) Native Hawaiian children have higher rates of tooth decay than their Caucasian and Japanese peers;

(3) Available data suggests that Native Hawaiians lack access to preventative and treatment visits, and have great need for prevention and treatment of dental issues; and

(4) Native Hawaiians' lack of access to dental care is not surprising, as they are overrepresented in other risk groups, including those with low socioeconomic status and rural residence; and

WHEREAS, the report also found that there is a lack of funding for capital expansion for Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems and Federally Qualified Health Centers to enhance access to dental care, screening, referrals, and education, including access by children, adults, kupuna, and low-income families; and

WHEREAS, the recommendations of the report recognized the need to:

(1) Address oral health in connection with overall health;

(2) Increase oral health literacy and awareness;

(3) Develop a diversified oral health workforce, including in rural areas;

(4) Invest in prevention;

(5) Increase access to care and decrease oral health care disparities;

(6) Implement culturally-adapted programs and practices; and

(7) Systematically improve data collection relevant to Native Hawaiian oral health; and

WHEREAS, the State should promote the health and welfare of the Native Hawaiian people; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2023, that the Department of Health is requested to create a formal plan to implement the recommendations of the "E Ola Mau a Mau: The Next Generation of Native Hawaiian Health" report with respect to oral health care for Native Hawaiians; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Health is requested to collaborate with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs in the creation of the plan; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Health is requested to submit to the Legislature, no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2024, a report of the plan, including any findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Health, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and Chairperson of the Hawaiian Homes Commission.

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:

Native Hawaiians; Dental Care; Oral Health; Plan; Report

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.R. NO.	28
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023
STATE OF HAWAII