STAND. COM. REP. NO. 58-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.B. No. 1969

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committees on Health and Human Services & Homelessness, to which was referred H.B. No. 1969 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO COLORECTAL CANCER,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to provide state-funded financial assistance for colorectal cancer screenings to residents of the State, under certain conditions.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii Primary Care Association; America Cancer Society Cancer Action Network; Hawaii Medical Association; Fight Colorectal Cancer; and numerous individuals. Your Committees received comments on this measure from the Department of Human Services; Department of Health; and Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

Your Committees find that colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer in Hawaii and the second leading cause of cancer deaths nationwide. Your Committees further find that screening is vital for the early detection of colorectal cancer, which is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when detected early. However, not all residents of Hawaii have access to health insurance that provides no-cost colorectal cancer screening. This measure will improve health outcomes for all Hawaii residents by ensuring all persons are able to receive regular screenings for colorectal cancer.

Your Committees have amended this measure by:

(1) Deleting language requiring coverage for colorectal cancer screenings to be consistent with the Affordable Care Act Implementation Frequently Asked Questions;

(2) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

(3) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

Your Committees respectfully requests your Committee on Finance, should it deliberate on this measure, to consider an appropriation amount of $1,800,000 and the establishment of one full-time equivalent position to administer the screening program.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Health and Human Services & Homelessness that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1969, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1969, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Health and Human Services & Homelessness,

____________________________ LISA MARTEN, Chair

____________________________ GREGG TAKAYAMA, Chair