HB1597

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that establishing an Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research unit at the University of Hawaii is essential to advance scientific research, improve diagnosis and treatment, and provide better care for individuals affected by these conditions. A National Institute on Aging-designated Alzheimer's disease research center (ADRC) would significantly enhance the University of Hawaii's research capabilities and attract major federal funding; however, achieving ADRC designation requires resources, coordination, and a dedicated team of expert researchers and staff. This goal is attainable through a strategically phased approach that begins with capacity-building efforts and strategic partnerships and includes incremental steps to strengthen research infrastructure, including the creation of key faculty and staff positions over time.

The legislature further finds that Hawaii's unique demographic composition, including a significant Asian American and Pacific Islander population, presents an unparalleled opportunity to conduct dementia research that reflects genetic, cultural, and environmental factors distinct from those studied at research centers throughout the continental United States. This focus would fill critical gaps in scientific knowledge and inform culturally tailored interventions, benefiting state and national research agendas.

The legislature also finds that establishing an Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center will leverage existing resources and collaborations among the University of Hawaii John A. Burns school of medicine, University of Hawaii center on aging, University of Hawaii cancer center, and community partners. Additionally, it will create efficiencies by utilizing existing infrastructure and shared services; strengthen interdisciplinary research across medicine, public health, and social sciences; expand access to clinical trials; and improve patient care -- particularly for rural and neighbor island communities. Strategic partnerships with Kuakini Health System, Hawaii Pacific Health, and The Queen's Health Systems will further enhance clinical research capacity and integration with statewide health care delivery. This initiative will also support workforce development, complement upcoming neurology training programs, and generate economic benefits through job creation and increased federal research funding.

The purpose of this Act is to establish and appropriate funds for an Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center at the University of Hawaii as the first phase of a strategic plan to build capacity and position Hawaii for future ADRC designation by the National Institute on Aging.

SECTION 2. Chapter 304A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new subpart to part IV to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

" . alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center

§304A- Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii. (a) There is established an organized research unit, to be known as the Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii, to conduct research on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii shall be administered by a director, to be appointed in accordance with the board of regents' policy.

(b) The Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii shall be administratively affiliated with the University of Hawaii John A. Burns school of medicine; provided that the administrative services and infrastructure teams of the Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii and University of Hawaii John A. Burns school of medicine may be merged to achieve greater efficiency; and provided further that the provost of the University of Hawaii at Manoa shall have authority to direct and achieve efficiencies at the University of Hawaii John A. Burns school of medicine and Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii.

(c) Programs of the University of Hawaii John A. Burns school of medicine, Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii, University of Hawaii center on aging, and University of Hawaii at Manoa shall identify opportunities to:

(1) Capitalize on collaboration between the programs; and

(2) Maximize operational efficiencies between the University of Hawaii John A. Burns school of medicine, Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii, and University of Hawaii center on aging, including but not limited to shared services and personnel, whenever feasible, and utilization of centralized services available through the University of Hawaii at Manoa, whenever appropriate.

(d) The Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii's research agenda shall focus on research, education, patient care, and community outreach and reflect an understanding of the ethnic, cultural, and environmental characteristics of the State and the Pacific region.

(e) The Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii may be staffed by, but not be limited to, the following positions:

(1) One full-time equivalent senior clinician scientist (tenure track);

(2) One full-time equivalent staff position to serve as coordinator of the designated research unit;

(3) One additional full-time equivalent staff position;

(4) One full-time equivalent clinical research nurse; and

(5) Two full-time equivalent faculty positions, to be allocated among junior investigators as part-time appointments, including a part-time neuropathologist as required for the neuropathology core of an Alzheimer's disease research center.

(f) The Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii may:

(1) Engage in international research collaborations;

(2) Undertake research studies and clinical trials; and

(3) Participate in projects and programs of the National Institutes of Health and National Institute on Aging, including but not limited to Alzheimer's disease research centers.

(g) The Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii shall submit an annual report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session. The report shall include:

(1) A summary of research activities, collaborations, and clinical trials conducted;

(2) Progress toward securing federal funding and designation by the National Institute on Aging as an Alzheimer's disease research center;

(3) Financial expenditures and funding sources;

(4) Community outreach and education efforts; and

(5) Recommendations for future legislative or budgetary support."

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $375,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to establish the Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research center of Hawaii pursuant to this Act, including establishing the following positions in the University of Hawaii John A. Burns school of medicine:

(1) One full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) faculty senior clinician scientist position; and

(2) One full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) administrative lead staff position.

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

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

INTRODUCED BY:

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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1597
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII