STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1210-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: S.B. No. 2657

S.D. 1

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 Higher Education, to which was referred S.B. No. 2657, S.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 the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Research Center of Hawaii within the University of Hawaii as the first phase of a strategic plan to build capacity and position the State for future National Institute on Aging designation.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Disability and Communication Access Board; Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women; Hawaiʻi Primary Care Association; LeadingAge Pacific West; and numerous individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the University of Hawaii System and The Queen's Health Systems.

Your Committee finds that establishing an Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Research Center is essential to advancing scientific research, improving diagnosis and treatment, and providing better care for individuals affected by these conditions. Your Committee further finds that Hawaii's unique demographic composition, including a significant Asian American and Pacific Islander population, presents an unparalleled opportunity to conduct dementia research that reflects genetic, cultural, and environmental factors distinct from those studied at other research centers outside of the State. Establishing an Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Research Center at the University of Hawaii would fill critical gaps in scientific knowledge and inform culturally tailored interventions, benefiting state and national research agendas.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Changing the number of positions to an unspecified amount;

(2) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

(3) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Higher Education that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2657, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2657, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Health.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Higher Education,

____________________________

ANDREW TAKUYA GARRETT, Chair