STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3215

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 2387

H.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 Labor and Technology, to which was referred H.B. No. 2387, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO WORKERS' COMPENSATION MEDICAL BENEFITS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Expand workers' compensation medical benefits for firefighters to include coverage for adenocarcinoma or mesothelioma of the respiratory system; cancer of the buccal cavity, cervix, colon, esophagus, ovary, pharynx, skin, female reproductive organs, including the uterus, endometrium, and fallopian tubes, and thyroid; and malignant melanoma; and

(2) Specify that an employer may deny medical benefits under workers' compensation law only if they prove that the cancer or disease was not associated with firefighting duties.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Department of Law Enforcement, Hawaii Fire Fighters Association Local 1463, and thirty-seven individuals.

Your Committee finds that due to frequent high exposure to carcinogens and toxic substances in the course of performing their essential line of duty, firefighters are at a significantly increased risk of developing cancer. However, many firefighters are left without necessary medical support as only a limited list of cancers are covered under existing workers' compensation protections. Your Committee believes that this measure will protect firefighters health and ensures timely and appropriate medical treatment by expanding the cancers and diseases covered under workers' compensation related to their line of duty and requiring that employers be able to prove cancer and disease did not arise from the performance of their professional duties.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Labor and Technology that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2387, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Labor and Technology,

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BRANDON J.C. ELEFANTE, Chair