STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3754

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 2805

H.D. 1

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 2805, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate an unspecified amount of money to the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization to conduct a multiethnic cohort study and develop and maintain a registry regarding the health effects of the August 2023 Maui wildfires.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Health; Department of Human Services, State of Hawaii; University of Hawaii; ʻAhahui o na Kauka: Association of Native Hawaiian Physicians; American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network; American Lung Association in Hawaii; Hawaii Community Foundation; Hawaiʻi Health C.A.R.E. Hui; Hawaii Medical Association (HMA); Hawaii Public Health Association; Hawaii Psychological Association; Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Hawaii; Hawaii Medical Services Association (HMSA); Roots Reborn; Tagnawa for Maui; and numerous individuals.

Your Committee finds that the funding for a multiethnic cohort study and establishment of a registry in this measure will provide invaluable information to the State, local organizations, and policymakers regarding the full impacts of the Maui wildfires.

Your Committee notes that in its written comments, the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization has requested the following appropriation amounts for this measure:

(1) $1,500,000 for the multiethnic cohort study; and

(2) $835,000 for the establishment of a registry.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2805, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

________________________________

DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair