STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3703

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 1974

H.D. 1

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 1974, 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 address issues relating to hearing loss in school-age children and adults, including affordability, awareness, early detection, and access to services.

Specifically, this measure requires, and appropriates moneys for, the State Health Planning and Development Agency to develop a comprehensive state plan on hearing loss in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Disability and Communication Access Board, State Health Planning and Development Agency, Hear 4 Hope, Alzheimer's Association-Hawaii, Aloha Independent Living Hawaii, Hawaii Ear Clinic Inc., and eight individuals.

Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Executive Office on Aging.

Your Committee finds that individuals suffering from hearing loss face a wide range of barriers to receiving care, including difficulties navigating the fragmented healthcare system and the high costs for hearing aids and assistive devices. Your Committee further finds that untreated hearing loss increases risks of cognitive decline and dementia, falls, social isolation, mental health issues, and reduced workforce participation. Your Committee believes that this measure will help to establish a coordinated statewide strategy to address these issues.

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. 1974, 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,

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair