STAND. COM. REP. NO. 691-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.B. No. 1969

H.D. 2

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 1969, H.D. 1, entitled:

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

begs 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 Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii Medical Association; Hawaii Radiological Society; American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network; Hawaiʻi Primary Care Association; American College of Gastroenterology; Fight Colorectal Cancer; and numerous individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Health and Department of Human Services.

Your Committee finds that colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when detected early. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the State. This measure funds a publicly assisted colorectal cancer screening program for uninsured residents to have access to colorectal cancer screening and help avoid significant late-stage treatment costs.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Requiring coverage under this measure to include a follow-up colonoscopy after a positive stool-based test, blood test, or direct visualization test; and

(2) Specifying that coverage required by this measure is not subject to a deductible, copayment, coinsurance, or any other cost-sharing requirements.

Your Committee respectfully requests your Committee on Finance, should it deliberate on this measure, to consider an appropriation amount of $1,800,000 and one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) position for this measure.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1969, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1969, H.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,

____________________________

SCOT Z. MATAYOSHI, Chair