STAND. COM. REP. NO. 553-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.B. No. 1597

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Health, to which was referred H.B. No. 1597, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND RELATED DEMENTIAS RESEARCH,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure 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 designation by the National Institute on Aging as an Alzheimer's Disease Research Center.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the State Health Planning and Development Agency; Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women; AARP Hawaiʻi; Alzheimer's Association - Hawaii; Hawaii Disability Rights Center; Hawaiʻi Psychological Association; Hawaii Primary Care Association; LeadingAge Pacific West; CARES; and numerous individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Executive Office on Aging; University of Hawaiʻi System; and The Queen's Health Systems.

Your Committee finds that according to the Alzheimer's Association of Hawaii, approximately thirty-one thousand Hawaii residents aged sixty-five and older are living with Alzheimer's disease. National and global trends also indicate that prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias will continue to rise. Your Committee further finds that Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Research Centers play a critical role in advancing detection, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies for Alzheimer's disease, while improving care and support for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. This measure seeks to improve Hawaii's health care system through the establishment of an Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Research Center to enhance local research efforts, foster collaboration, and improve outcomes for patients and caregivers.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1597, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health,

____________________________

GREGG TAKAYAMA, Chair