STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1780-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.R. No. 176

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Public Safety, to which was referred H.R. No. 176 entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION URGING THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AND DEFENSE HEALTH AGENCY TO EXTEND THE RENEWAL PERIOD FOR SECRETARIAL DESIGNEE HEALTH CARE AUTHORIZATIONS RELATED TO THE RED HILL WATER CONTAMINATION CRISIS AND TO IMPROVE HEALTH CARE ACCESS FOR AFFECTED INDIVIDUALS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to urge the United States Department of Defense and Defense Health Agency to extend the renewal period for Secretarial Designee health care authorizations related to the Red Hill water contamination crisis to a two-year renewal cycle to promote stability and continuity of care for affected individuals.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Honolulu Board of Water Supply; Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi; Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi; and numerous individuals.

Your Committee finds that the contamination of a significant portion of Oahu's drinking water supply from the release of fuel from the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility in November 2021 created significant health concerns for military families and nearby communities. Many affected individuals continue to experience ongoing health concerns and require long-term monitoring, evaluation, and treatment related to potential fuel exposure. However, many servicemembers and military families affected by the Red Hill water contamination crisis have since relocated to military installations across the United States, where many areas have limited or no military treatment facilities nearby, making it more difficult for affected individuals to access military health services. Your Committee further finds that establishing reimbursement or voucher programs for medical services related to the Red Hill fuel exposure could help ensure equitable access to health care for affected individuals, regardless of their geographic location and whether a military treatment facility is available nearby.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Public Safety that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.R. No. 176 and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Public Safety,

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DELLA AU BELATTI, Chair