STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2836

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2657

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 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 and intent of this measure is to advance scientific research on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

Specifically, this measure:

(1) Establishes the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Research Center of Hawaii as an organized research unit within the University of Hawaii; and

(2) Appropriates moneys for the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Research Center of Hawaii, including the establishment of two full-time equivalent positions.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the State Health Planning and Development Agency, Disability and Communication Access Board, Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, Policy Advisory Board for Elderly Affairs, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, Hawaii Primary Care Association, AARP Hawaii, LeadingAge Pacific West, Alzheimer's Association - Hawaii, and nine individuals.

Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the University of Hawaii, Executive Office on Aging, and The Queen's Health Systems.

Your Committee finds that Hawaii's unique demographic composition, including significant Asian American and Pacific Islander populations, presents an opportunity to conduct dementia research that reflects genetic, cultural, and environmental factors distinct from those studied at mainland research centers. Your Committee believes that the research supported by this measure will fill critical gaps in scientific knowledge and inform culturally tailored interventions.

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 S.B. No. 2657, 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